Birdwatching may reshape the brain and build its buffer against ageing 23. February 2026 (19:00) Expert birdwatchers have changes in their brain structure compared with novices, which probably help them better identify birds and may even protect against age-related cognitive decline(New Scientist)
Brutal Iron Age massacre may have targeted women and children 23. February 2026 (17:00) An examination of bones has revealed one of the largest prehistoric mass killings known in Europe, with women, adolescents and children making up most of the 77 victims(New Scientist)
It’s your perception of sleep that’s making you feel tired all day 23. February 2026 (17:00) How we feel about a night’s sleep can have a bigger impact on mood and grogginess than actual hours of rest. Here’s how to change your mindset to feel more energised(New Scientist)
Everyone's a queen: The ant species with no males or workers 23. February 2026 (17:00) Temnothorax kinomurai, a parasitic ant species found in Japan, reproduces asexually and all of its young develop into queens that try to take over other ants’ colonies(New Scientist)
A horse's whinny is unlike any other sound in nature 23. February 2026 (17:00) Horses use their larynx to make two sounds simultaneously, so they are effectively singing and whistling at the same time(New Scientist)
Why our brains tune things out and how to overcome it when you need to 23. February 2026 (10:00) We often stop noticing things we’ve become too accustomed to, as a side effect of our brains protecting us from sensory overload. Columnist Helen Thomson shares the evidence-backed ways to learn how to notice again(New Scientist)
Fish-based pet food may expose cats and dogs to forever chemicals 20. February 2026 (19:00) A survey of 100 commercial foods for dogs and cats revealed that PFAS chemicals appear in numerous brands and types, with fish-based products among those with the highest levels(New Scientist)
Search for radio signals finds no hint of alien civilisation on K2-18b 20. February 2026 (10:00) Planet K2-18b, an apparent water world 124 light years away, has been seen as a promising location in the search for aliens, but telescopes on Earth failed to pick up any radio transmissions(New Scientist)
