Why Yuri Gagarin wasn’t the first in space – and who beat him to it 06. March 2026 (10:00) Everyone knows Yuri Gagarin as the first person to go to space. But was he? Physicist Vladimir Brljak tells the tale of the intrepid balloonists who first flew beyond the blue terrestrial sky, challenging the definition of where our world begins to end(New Scientist)
Möbius strip-like molecule has an entirely new and bizarre shape 05. March 2026 (20:00) A ring of 13 carbon atoms and two chlorine atoms has a remarkable molecular structure that means you would have to go around the loop four times to return to your starting position(New Scientist)
Just one dose of psilocybin relieves symptoms of OCD for months 05. March 2026 (17:00) Taking psilocybin – the psychedelic component of magic mushrooms – eased symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder among people who did not respond to conventional treatments, and the effects lasted at least several months(New Scientist)
Two marsupials believed extinct for 6000 years found alive 05. March 2026 (14:00) Indigenous people in Papua, Indonesia, have helped scientists track down two animals that were thought to have gone extinct thousands of years ago: a relative of Australia’s greater glider and a palm-sized possum with a bizarre, elongated finger(New Scientist)
Alzheimer’s may start with inflammation in the skin, lungs or gut 05. March 2026 (13:00) The Alzheimer’s field is being turned on its head as mounting evidence points to the disease beginning outside the brain many years before symptoms start. This may mean we have to totally rethink how we approach preventing and treating the condition(New Scientist)
The secret of how cats twist in mid-air to land on their feet 04. March 2026 (19:00) An exceptionally flexible region of the spine enables falling cats to twist the front and back halves of their body sequentially to ensure a safe landing(New Scientist)
How to convey amounts of snow to Canadians: use polar bears 04. March 2026 (19:00) Feedback is pleased to discover another delightfully unconventional unit of measurement, which is used to convey amounts of snow on Ottawa's Rideau canal(New Scientist)
What to read this week: Poisonous People by Leanne ten Brinke 04. March 2026 (19:00) If up to 20 per cent of us really do score highly on traits related to psychopathy, we are going to need all the help offered by a compelling new book. Start by admitting your own dark traits, finds Sally Adee(New Scientist)
Adrian Tchaikovsky's new Children of Time novel is brilliant 04. March 2026 (19:00) The latest novel in this entirely original science-fiction series features a human-size mantis shrimp as an "uplifted" species. It's ambitious and fantastic, says sci-fi columnist Emily H. Wilson(New Scientist)
