Earliest ever supernova sheds light on the first stars 16. January 2026 (13:00) The James Webb Space Telescope has picked up the light from a massive star that exploded about a billion years after the birth of the universe(New Scientist)
A leading use for quantum computers might not need them after all 16. January 2026 (13:00) Understanding a molecule that plays a key role in nitrogen fixing – a chemical process that enables life on Earth – has long been thought of as problem for quantum computers, but now a classical computer may have solved it(New Scientist)
Lithium-ion batteries could last longer with chemical tweak 15. January 2026 (21:00) It's difficult to form a protective coating that prolongs battery life at the battery's cathode, but there may be a low-cost chemical solution(New Scientist)
Body fat supports your health in surprisingly complex ways 15. January 2026 (20:00) Evidence is mounting that our body fat supports everything from our bone health to our mood, and now, research suggests it also regulates blood pressure and immunity(New Scientist)
Distant 'little red dot' galaxies may contain baby black holes 15. January 2026 (19:00) Since launching in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has found hundreds of distant and apparently bright galaxies dubbed "little red dots", and now it seems they may each carry a baby black hole(New Scientist)
6 ways to help your children have a healthy relationship with food 15. January 2026 (12:56) Getting kids to eat well can be a minefield and a source of tension. Nancy Bostock, a consultant paediatrician, says these are the six things she recommends when dealing with fussy eaters and the way we talk about food with kids.(New Scientist)
All major AI models risk encouraging dangerous science experiments 15. January 2026 (11:36) Researchers risk fire, explosion or poisoning by allowing AI to design experiments, warn scientists. Some 19 different AI models were tested on hundreds of questions to assess their ability to spot and avoid hazards and none recognised all issues – with some doing little better than random guessing(New Scientist)
