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NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Stunning first images show the power of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory

A powerful new telescope in Chile is set to transform astronomy, and its first pictures of stellar nurseries and galaxies have just been unveiled. Read more

Women's pelvises are shrinking – how is that changing childbirth?

Over the past 150 years, the rise in Caesarean sections and changes in diet could have led to smaller pelvises among women – which may make vaginal birth more difficult but could also reduce common conditions associated with childbirth. Read more

Earth is more sensitive to greenhouse gases than we thought

Our climate seems to be more sensitive to greenhouse gas emissions than some researchers had hoped, meaning the world will have to up its decarbonisation efforts. Read more

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The science of friendships can help make yours better

From acquaintances to besties, our relationships fall on a wide continuum. Research into the ingredients for meaningful and lasting connections can help you strengthen them. Read more

Metaphysics probes hidden assumptions to make sense of reality

All of us hold metaphysical beliefs, whether we realise it or not. Learning to question them is spurring progress on some of the hardest questions in physics. Read more

How symbiosis made Earth what it is – and why it’s key to our future

Two life forms living together helped spark the evolution of all complex life. By learning to appreciate this process more fully, we might be able to harness it to heal our planet too. Read more

The deep lessons quasiparticles teach us about the nature of reality

We have discovered legions of strange particles that seem to only have a ghostly existence inside materials. Even so, they are the basis of much modern technology – so are they actually real? Read more

Why are the physical constants of the universe so perfect for life?

Conditions in our little pocket of the universe seem to be just right for life - and the much-debated anthropic principle forces us to wonder why. Read more

How quantum superposition forces us to confront what is truly real

What are quantum particles doing before we measure them? Getting to grips with this century-old debate takes us to the heart of whether there is an objective reality. Read more

Why geoengineering is no longer a complete taboo for scientists

Geoengineering comes in many forms and the risks and potential benefits vary widely. But many researchers now feel it’s time to investigate this controversial idea. Read more

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Why is it seemingly impossible to stop phone thieves?

The huge market for stolen smartphones means that thieves will continue to snatch them, but is there anything we can do to put a stop to this crime wave? Read more