The social media ban is an experiment – here’s how it will be studied 15. June 2026 (17:59) Scientists have long grappled with how to measure the effect of social media on children. Now, the UK government has announced a total ban for everyone under 16, and researchers are rushing to design rigorous studies before it comes into effect(New Scientist)
Inside the start-up aiming for a giant leap in robot intelligence 15. June 2026 (16:50) Physical Intelligence is drawing on the broad knowledge of large language models to help robots understand instructions and learn to carry out any task independently(New Scientist)
Are useful and error-free quantum computers only two years away? 15. June 2026 (16:00) Quantum computing firm QuEra says it plans to make a fault-tolerant quantum computer and offer it to users through the cloud in 2028, which will require a real leap in engineering(New Scientist)
We may have finally solved cosmology's chicken-or-the-egg problem 15. June 2026 (11:00) Galaxies and their supermassive black holes evolve together, but which came first is an ongoing question. Now we may finally have an answer, says columnist Leah Crane(New Scientist)
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought 12. June 2026 (19:00) We know that members of Gen Z are less likely to be in a steady relationship than millennials were at their age, but previous research missed out an important factor that actually widens the relationship recession(New Scientist)
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy 12. June 2026 (14:00) A superconducting quantum computer is part of a network that is mining an experimental cryptocurrency called Quip, and it is able to do it faster and with better energy efficiency than conventional machines(New Scientist)
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers 12. June 2026 (11:00) In the face of loneliness, many people are turning to AI chatbots for companionship – but research shows it can’t replace human connection. Columnist David Robson explores how beneficial it can be to talk to strangers, with evidence-based tips on how to get the conversation flowing(New Scientist)
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping 12. June 2026 (11:00) A clock based on radioactive thorium atoms realises a long-held ambition, demonstrating a technology that could eventually beat the accuracy of today’s best atomic clocks(New Scientist)
