Bird retinas work without oxygen, and now scientists know how 21. January 2026 (17:00) The light-sensitive tissue of birds’ eyes is not supplied with oxygen by blood vessels – instead, it powers itself with a flood of sugar, and this may have evolutionary benefits(New Scientist)
Octopuses prompt rethink of why animals evolve big brains 21. January 2026 (11:00) A popular idea suggests a link between big brains and a rich social life, but octopuses don't fit the pattern, which suggests something else is going on(New Scientist)
Bubble feeding trick spreads through humpback whale social groups 21. January 2026 (01:01) Humpback whales off the west coast of Canada have learned a cooperative hunting technique from whales migrating into the area, and this cultural knowledge may help the population cope as food becomes scarce(New Scientist)
Cross-training may be the key to a long life 21. January 2026 (00:30) People who combine different types of exercise - such as running, cycling and swimming - seem to live longer than those with less varied workouts(New Scientist)
Scientists investigate ‘dark oxygen’ in deep-sea mining zone 20. January 2026 (20:00) Startling findings in 2024 suggested that metallic nodules on the sea floor produce oxygen and might support life. Now researchers are planning an expedition to learn more and refute criticism from mining companies(New Scientist)
World is entering an era of 'water bankruptcy' 20. January 2026 (19:00) Countries have spent beyond their sustainable water budgets for so long that critical assets are depleted and the world faces huge economic, social and environmental costs(New Scientist)
Chernobyl cooling systems have lost power but meltdown risk is low 20. January 2026 (17:25) An electrical outage at Chernobyl nuclear power plant risks dangerous fuel overheating, but experts say that the chances are extremely slim due to the age of the reactors, which were shut down over two decades ago(New Scientist)
Satellites could use magnetic fields to avoid collisions 20. January 2026 (17:00) Two or more satellites could communicate and manoeuvre around one another using magnetic fields, although getting the technique to work at scale in space might be tricky(New Scientist)
The 3 best ways to tackle anxiety, according to a leading expert 20. January 2026 (16:00) It is impossible to get rid of anxiety because it exists to help us, says cognitive psychotherapist Owen O'Kane. Instead, he suggests three ways to reframe your relationship with anxiety in order to take back control(New Scientist)
