SYED ZAIN UMAR

NASA’s Artemis moon exploration programme is getting a major makeover

on February 27, 2026 at 4:24 pm

As it faces yet another set of delays, NASA’s Artemis programme is being shaken up, delaying an actual moon landing in favour of smaller, faster steps forward

Frailty can be eased with an infusion of stem cells from young people

on February 27, 2026 at 3:00 pm

Frailty can typically only be lessened through lifestyle changes, but a stem cell therapy seems to target the underlying causes of the condition, boosting the mobility of frail older people

Human brain cells on a chip learned to play Doom in a week

on February 27, 2026 at 3:00 pm

Neuron-powered computer chips can now be easily programmed to play a first-person shooter game, bringing biological computers a step closer to useful applications

Ocean geoengineering trial finds no evidence of harm to marine life

on February 27, 2026 at 11:08 am

Pouring 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine removed up to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere without harming wildlife, according to the researchers behind an ocean alkalinity enhancement test

How worried should you be about an asteroid smashing into Earth?

on February 27, 2026 at 10:38 am

The dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid, but does that mean we risk suffering the same fate – and should you be worried about the possibility? Leah Crane sets the matter straight

Our verdict on Juice by Tim Winton: Australian climate novel is a hit

on February 27, 2026 at 9:10 am

The New Scientist Book Club enjoyed our February read, Tim Winton’s far-future-set Juice. Head of books Alison Flood rounds up member thoughts

‘If a drug had the same benefits as the arts, we’d take it every day’

on February 27, 2026 at 9:00 am

As the New Scientist Book Club embarks on its read for March, Art Cure, author Daisy Fancourt gives a sneak preview into the myriad ways in which the arts can improve our health

Read an extract from Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt

on February 27, 2026 at 9:00 am

In this extract from Daisy Fancourt’s Art Cure, the March read for the New Scientist Book Club, we learn about how art classes transformed life for Russell after he had a stroke

We all harbour 9 secrets and they are eating us up inside

on February 27, 2026 at 9:00 am

Secret-keeping evolved to maintain social harmony, but it can weigh heavily on us when we can’t stop thinking about them. So, what is the best way to deal with things that we don’t want anyone else to know?

Could a niche 80s technology be the key to better quantum computers?

on February 27, 2026 at 9:00 am

Superconducting computing circuits were briefly heralded as the future of computing in the 1980s. Columnist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan visits a quantum chip foundry where one company is betting this technology’s second act will revolutionise quantum computers

Stem cell patch reverses brain damage in fetuses with spina bifida

on February 26, 2026 at 11:30 pm

The congenital condition spina bifida is often treated surgically in the womb, but many children still go on to have mobility issues. The addition of a patch made up of stem cells from donated placentas could improve their long-term outcomes

When we interbred with Neanderthals, they were usually the fathers

on February 26, 2026 at 7:00 pm

Genetic evidence hints that there was a strong bias for male Neanderthals and female humans to mate, rather than any other combination

Banning children from VPNs and social media will erode adults’ privacy

on February 26, 2026 at 4:51 pm

Legislation working its way through the UK parliament would ban children from using social media and virtual private networks – but the proposals would endanger online privacy and may not make children safer, say legal experts

How to see six planets in the sky at once in rare celestial alignment

on February 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Nearly all of the solar system’s planets are about to file across the night sky in a planetary alignment, and it will be visible from anywhere on Earth

Is geothermal energy on the cusp of a worldwide renaissance?

on February 26, 2026 at 10:00 am

The UK’s first geothermal plant in Cornwall is part of a wave of projects aiming to meet growing electricity demand, some of them enabled by technology from oil and gas fracturing

Why I have changed my mind about AI and you should too

on February 26, 2026 at 9:00 am

Both boosters and sceptics have strongly held opinions on AI tools like ChatGPT, but after an experiment in vibe coding, I have realised that both camps are wrong, says Jacob Aron

SpaceX’s 1 million satellites could avoid environmental checks

on February 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm

The environmental impact of SpaceX’s planned gargantuan mega-constellation is still being grappled with, but the FCC isn’t required to study it

New Scientist recommends the quantum soundscape of Liminals

on February 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

What to read this week: Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean by Dagomar Degroot

on February 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm

From ice ages to asteroid strikes, an epic book shows how important it has been for humans to look outwards. Alex Wilkins surveys a climate historian’s cosmic sweep

Return of Fallout, Paradise and Silo fuels passion for bunker sci-fi

on February 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Post-apocalyptic bunker sci-fi is huge this year as TV front-runners Fallout, Paradise and Silo return. Bethan Ackerley asks whether this is a signal we’ve given up on our real world, or if there is hidden hope

SAG-AFTRA drops SAG Awards name to rebrand

on March 2, 2026 at 12:36 am

The ceremony, long known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, has officially rebranded as the Actor Awards ahead of its 32nd annual event.According to SAG-AFTRA, the name change is intended to better reflect the show’s identity as the only major industry awards voted on exclusively by…

Demi Lovato admits younger self ‘would never believe’ her life now: ‘It can get better’

on March 1, 2026 at 11:42 pm

Demi Lovato admits younger self ‘would never believe’ her life now: ‘It can get better’Demi Lovato is proud of herself for how far she has come in her eating disorder recovery.The 33-year-old singer took to her Instagram account to pen down a poignant note about her younger self, who would have…

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4: Showrunner talks about Violet’s steamy romance

on March 1, 2026 at 10:50 pm

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4: Showrunner talks about Violet’s steamy romanceBridgerton showrunner opened up about how Violet Bridgerton’s romance took an unexpected turn in season 4.In an interview with People Magazine, Jess Brownell shared why Violet and Marcus’ romance was never meant to end in…

John Tesh recalls ‘uncomfortable’ backlash over ’70s romance with Oprah Winfrey

on March 1, 2026 at 10:07 pm

John Tesh is reflecting on his brief 1970s relationship with Oprah Winfrey and the backlash they faced as an interracial couple in the South.Tesh, 73, said it was “very uncomfortable back then for an African-American woman and a very, very white guy” to be dating. He noted that their…

Gracie Abrams breaks silence after losing 2026 BRIT Award

on March 1, 2026 at 9:48 pm

Gracie Abrams breaks silence after losing 2026 BRIT AwardGracie Abrams’ hit track That’s So True received nomination for International Song of the Year at the 2026 BRIT Awards.However, the singer couldn’t win the award, but expressed her gratitude for the love she received.Taking to Instagram…

Jennifer Garner reveals the actress who ‘carried through things’

on March 1, 2026 at 8:35 pm

Jennifer Garner reveals the actress who ‘carried through things’Jennifer Garner reflected on her decades-long friendship with Judy Greer.Speaking with People Magazine, Garner and Greer reflected on reuniting for season two of The Last Thing He Told Me after first appearing together in the 2004…

Liza Minelli makes bombshell claim about late mother Judy Garland’s struggle with drugs

on March 1, 2026 at 7:44 pm

Photo: Liza Minelli makes bombshell claim about late mother Judy Garland’s struggle with drugsLiza Minnelli has made shocking claims about the struggles her late mother Judy Garland faced in Hollywood.The 79-year-old has gotten candid about the painful chapter in her upcoming memoir,…

Matthew McCoughaney reveals one ‘gift’ he achieved with losing nearly 50 pounds

on March 1, 2026 at 7:29 pm

Photo: Matthew McCoughaney reveals one ‘gift’ he achieved with losing nearly 50 poundsMatthew McCoughaney has reflected on shedding some pounds. In a new chat with Variety, the acting sensation revealed his approach to getting a lean physique to Timothee Chalamet. When the…

Bhad Bhabie drops worrying health update amid cancer battle: ‘God has the last say’

on March 1, 2026 at 6:18 pm

Bhad Bhabie hints at setback in cancer fight with cryptic messageBhad Bhabie has shared a serious health update amid her cancer battle.The 22-year-old musician, who announced her cancer diagnosis in November 2024, took to her X account on February 28, and shared a “bad news” her doctors revealed…

Hollywood producers sound alarm over major fear on Paramount-Warner Bros. deal

on March 1, 2026 at 5:31 pm

Producer reacts to Paramount & Warner Bros. merger as job cuts fear loomsParamount, it seems, has won what analysts’ debut bidding war with Netflix over a merger with giant Warner Bros. Discovery. But as the deal is near on the cusp, fears in a segment of Hollywood producers grow.Jerry…

‘Bridgerton’ star Phoebe Dynevor revealed her most hated trait

on March 1, 2026 at 4:06 pm

‘Bridgerton’ star Phoebe Dynevor revealed her most hated trait The fourth installment of Bridgerton is now streaming on Netflix. Meanwhile, fans have been curious if the pair from the show’s season one, Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, and Simon Basset, played by…

Matthew McCoughaney reveals one rule of Christopher Nolan he would never break

on March 1, 2026 at 3:51 pm

Photo: Matthew McCoughaney reveals one rule of Christopher Nolan he would never breakMatthew McCoughaney has revealed one unique trait of Christopher Nolan which is specific to his filmmaking. In a new chat for Variety, Matthew McCoughaney had a candid chat with his work experience with none…

‘The Sopranos’ creator recalls one major change to show which changed TV history

on March 1, 2026 at 3:45 pm

David Chase recounts rewriting ‘The Sopranos’ script to get approvedThe Sopranos, a show which rocked television, was initially rejected by networks. Strange, a series so much lauded by the critics and viewers did not get the approval initially which it needed to proceed.Dave Chase, who served at…

Katherine Schwarzenegger talks about ‘challenging times’ with Chris Pratt

on March 1, 2026 at 3:30 pm

Katherine Schwarzenegger talks about ‘challenging times’ with Chris PrattKatherine Schwarzenegger has opened up about challenging times with Chris Pratt.Speaking with People Magazine, the author shared what keeps the family strong during tough times. Katherine revealed that husband, Chris plays a…

Brooklyn makes Victoria Beckham come undone: ‘She’s barely sleeping now’

on March 1, 2026 at 3:10 pm

Brooklyn makes Victoria Beckham come undone: ‘She’s barely sleeping now’The issues surrounding the Beckham clan have reached monumental levels, as seens when their son Brooklyn decided to come forward with everything that ‘really’ went on behind the scenes, leading to…

Kelly Osbourne fires back at body-shamers after the 2026 Brit Awards

on March 1, 2026 at 2:39 pm

Kelly Osbourne slams trolls following 2026. Brit Awards appearanceKelly Osbourne, amid the throes of grief over her dad Ozzy’s passing, faced several vile attacks on her appearance following her attendance at the 2026 Brit Awards.The trolls attacked her weight loss as well as her health when…

BLACKPINK’s Rose makes K-pop’s history with major win

on March 1, 2026 at 1:16 pm

BLACKPINK’s Rose makes K-pop’s history with major winAlready riding high on the success of APT. BLACKPINK’s Rose turned the track’s massive popularity into a groundbreaking achievement.Rose has become the first K-pop artist to win at the Brits Award.The singer won the International Song of the…

Noel Gallagher gives shut-up call to critics after receiving BRIT Award

on March 1, 2026 at 1:04 pm

Noel Gallagher gives shut-up call to critics after receiving BRIT AwardNoel Gallagher responded in an unusual way after receiving the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2026 BRIT Awards.The band member of Oasis and brother of Liam Gallagher was given the award considering the fact that he has not…

Luke Grimes shares rare views about the end of Kayce Dutton’s story in ‘Yellowstone’

on March 1, 2026 at 12:59 pm

Photo: Luke Grimes shares rare views about the end of Kayce Dutton’s story in ‘Yellowstone’Luke Grimes has made a candid confession about his gig in Yellowstone’s spin-off Marshals. In a new chat with Extra, the actor admitted that he was “hesitant” about starring in the new CBS…

Dua Lipa stuns everyone on and off stage at 2026 BRIT Awards

on March 1, 2026 at 11:26 am

Dua Lipa unwinds herself with a childhood friend at the 2026 BRIT Awards afterpartyDua Lipa, who is known for her glamorous style and power-packed performance, stole the limelight at the 2026 BRIT Awards, where she rocked on the stage with producer Mark Ronson.However, when the curtains fell on…

US-Israel war on Iran live: conflict spreads as IDF strikes Hezbollah in Beirut after Iran-backed group launches attack on Israel

by Adam Fulton (now); Marina Dunbar, Serena Richards, Yohannes Lowe, Hayden Vernon and Rebecca Ratcliffe (earlier) on March 2, 2026 at 1:12 am

Iran-backed Hezbollah says it launched rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Ali KhameneiPodcast: The assassination of Iran’s ayatollah – and fears for a wider conflictHow have you been affected by events in the Middle East?Loud explosions were heard early on Sunday near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, AFP reported. Thick black smoke was rising from the airport area.On Saturday, US-led coalition forces downed several missiles and explosive-laden drones over Erbil. Continue reading…

UK to allow US to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iran

by Rowena Mason Whitehall editor and Helena Smith in Athens on March 2, 2026 at 12:35 am

Within hours of the prime minister’s statement, the UK’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus was reportedly hit by a droneThe UK has agreed to let the US use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites, Keir Starmer has said.The UK has so far not been involved in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but in a recorded statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister said that Iran’s approach was becoming more reckless and putting British lives at risk, leading to the decision to allow the US to use two of its military bases. Continue reading…

Ukraine war briefing: Starmer says Ukrainian experts will help shoot down Iranian drone attacks in Gulf

by Guardian staff on March 2, 2026 at 12:20 am

Ukrainians to help intercept drones targeting Gulf allies, UK PM says; Russian overnight missile attacks on Ukraine hit new high. What we know on day 1,467The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said Ukrainian experts would provide guidance on intercepting Iranian drones being launched at Gulf allies, as Tehran responds to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. “We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region,” Starmer said on Sunday night. “And we will also bring experts from Ukraine, together with our own experts, to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.” Ukraine was yet to comment on Starmer’s announcement.Russia fired more missiles in overnight attacks at Ukraine in February than in any other month since at least the beginning of 2023, analysis by Agence France-Presse (AFP) shows. The missile attacks targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure in particular, AFP said. Russia launched 288 missiles at Ukraine in February, an increase of about 113% compared to 135 missiles in January. Additionally, in February, Russia launched 5,059 long-range drones during its night-time pummelling of Ukrainian cities and towns – an increase of about 13% percent compared to January. AFP conducted analysis of daily figures provided by the Ukrainian air force.The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said changes in Iran brought about by US and Israeli strikes should be “used properly” to benefit the country’s people. Speaking in his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said Iran had “predetermined the way it is treated” by supplying attack drones to Russia in Moscow’s four-year-old conflict in Ukraine and had also “fomented wars in the region”. “It is important that the this chance for changes in Iran be used properly,” he said, adding “Tyhe Iranian people were on their own for a long time, enduring violence while standing against the Iranian regime.” Zelenskyy said on Saturday Moscow had fired more than 57,000 Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones at Ukraine during the war.Belgium has seized an oil tanker believed to form part of the so-called “shadow fleet” used by Russia to circumvent western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Special forces assisted by French helicopters boarded the ship in a clandestine operation in the North Sea on Saturday night, Kate Connolly writes. Prosecutors said the tanker, identified as the Ethera, was falsely flying the flag of Guinea and was believed to be on its way back to Russia when it was seized in Belgium’s exclusive economic zone.Zelenskyy praised Belgium’s decision to seize the tanker. “This particular vessel has long been under US, EU and UK sanctions, but nonetheless continued to illegally transport Russian oil using a false flag and forged documents,” he wrote on X. “We welcome this strong action against Moscow’s floating purse and thank France for supporting the operation.” Continue reading…

Actor awards 2026 red carpet – in pictures

by Guardian Staff on March 1, 2026 at 11:47 pm

Claire Danes, Wunmi Mosaku, Rose Byrne and host Kristen Bell were among the crowd at the 32nd Actor awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards, held in Los Angeles on Sunday Continue reading…

Three in four women unaware menopause can trigger new mental illness, poll finds

by Anna Bawden Health and social affairs correspondent on March 1, 2026 at 11:00 pm

Royal College of Psychiatrists says impact on mental health often overlooked and calls for improvements in careNearly three-quarters of UK women do not know menopause can trigger a new mental illness, polling shows.This lack of understanding is so acute that the Royal College of Psychiatrists has launched its first targeted “position statement” to raise awareness about menopause and mental health. Continue reading…

Hundreds of UK teenagers to pilot social media bans and restrictions

by Robert Booth UK technology editor on March 1, 2026 at 10:30 pm

Trials to form part of three-month consultation on Keir Starmer’s plans to tackle negative effects of smartphone useHundreds of teenagers will be enlisted to trial social media bans in the coming months with overnight digital curfews and daily screen time limits also tested as part of Keir Starmer’s plan to crack down on the negative effects of smartphone use.The trials will be part of a three-month consultation launched this week that could lead to an outright ban on social media for under-16s similar to that introduced in Australia. Ministers have said they are ready to toughen laws just six months after the introduction of child protection measures in the Online Safety Act. Continue reading…

European football: Late fightback at Roma keeps Juventus in hunt for top-four spot

by Agencies on March 1, 2026 at 10:29 pm

Visitors score twice in last 12 minutes to draw 3-3 in RomeSevilla come from 2-0 down to draw derby at Real BetisJuventus maintained their hopes of reaching next season’s Champions League after bouncing back from two goals down to draw 3-3 at their top-four rivals Roma with nearly the last kick of the game. Federico Gatti lashed in Juve’s leveller in the third minute of stoppage time to give the visitors a point in Rome that keeps them four points behind their opponents in fourth.Juve were trailing 3-1 with 12 minutes remaining after goals from Wesley França, Evan Ndicka and Donyell Malen gave the hosts a commanding lead in front of more than 65,000 delighted fans. But Jérémie Boga volleyed Juventus back into the game and just as Roma looked as if they would hold out for the win Gatti pounced on a poorly defended free-kick to snatch an unlikely point. Continue reading…

Refugee status to be temporary as Shabana Mahmood rips up rules on UK asylum

by Rajeev Syal in Copenhagen on March 1, 2026 at 10:00 pm

Home secretary announces 30-month protection limit, with refugees required to leave if their home countries are later judged safe‘That resentment is real’: Mahmood’s Denmark visit aims to hammer home tough line on immigrationShabana Mahmood has ripped up the government’s asylum rules so that from Monday every refugee will be told that their status is temporary and will last just 30 months.In a move that has concerned a refugee charity, the home secretary said that claimants whose countries are deemed to be safe by the UK government will from now on be expected to return. Continue reading…

‘That resentment is real’: Mahmood’s Denmark visit aims to hammer home tough line on immigration

by Rajeev Syal in Copenhagen on March 1, 2026 at 10:00 pm

On tour of returns centre, home secretary says ‘legitimate grievances’ have to be acknowledged as part of ‘responsible’ politicsRefugee status to be temporary as Shabana Mahmood rips up rules on UK asylumThe UK home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and Danish immigration officials strode through the bleak and chilly Sjælsmark returns centre, a former military barracks used to house men and women who have no right to remain in the country. Followed by photographers, reporters and civil servants, Mahmood was told of the strict conditions in which hundreds of people live after asylum and right to remain appeals are rejected and before many are sent to other countries.Sjælsmark, about 20 miles north of Copenhagen, is at the sharp end of an asylum system set up by Denmark’s left-leaning Social Democrat government to deter claimants. As well as those facing swift deportations, refugees are given temporary permission to stay and will later be told to leave if their countries of origin are deemed safe. Continue reading…

Foreign Office starts planning evacuation of thousands of Britons in Middle East

by Rowena Mason Whitehall editor on March 1, 2026 at 9:44 pm

About 200,000 nationals thought to be in the region as tensions rise after US-Israeli attacks on Iranian regimeUS-Israeli war on Iran: latest updatesThe Foreign Office is drawing up plans to evacuate tens of thousands of British citizens if war in the Middle East escalates, with many travellers currently stranded in Dubai.Keir Starmer said on Sunday that about 200,000 British people are in the region, on holiday or otherwise travelling across the Gulf. He urged everyone in areas targeted by Iranian strikes to register with the Foreign Office to receive advice, with about 94,000 doing that so far. Continue reading…

Delroy Lindo thankful for ‘love and support’ after N-word incident at Baftas

by Guardian staff and agencies on March 1, 2026 at 9:43 pm

Lindo speaks out after man with Tourette syndrome shouted slur while actor was on stage with Michael B JordanBritish-American actor Delroy Lindo expressed gratitude for “the support and love” he and Michael B Jordan have received after a man with Tourette syndrome (TS) shouted the N-word as the two men presented a Bafta award.“We appreciate all the support and love that we have been shown,” Lindo – who, like Jordan, is Black – said on stage at the annual NAACP Image awards in Los Angeles. He called it “a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive”. Continue reading…

Is this really the beautiful game? Well yes, and no … but the panic is fun to watch | Barney Ronay

by Barney Ronay at the Emirates Stadium on March 1, 2026 at 9:30 pm

If every win is going to be painful from here, you may as well just take the painful wins – welcome to Arsenal’s late title staggerOn Thursday night at a swanky London hotel so luxuriously risk‑averse the toilets are equipped with wireless thermostats to control to within half a degree the heat of the seat, the Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, spoke in detail for the first time about the prospect of “Premflix”, the direct‑to‑consumer model of the future, an app that will sluice this irresistible footballing opiate directly into the eyeballs of 8 billion rapt humans.In doing so Masters was echoing the words of Todd Boehly on the same stage 12 months earlier, who had talked about the Premier League as a kind of fire stolen from the gods, source of the next great tech platform, an engine of empire, tool of world domination, of lassoing the moon out of the sky. Continue reading…

Infantino suggests players covering mouths when addressing opponents could be sent off

by PA Media on March 1, 2026 at 9:25 pm

Fifa president wants more intervention in battle against racismMouth covering in focus after Vinícius Júnior’s allegation of abuseThe Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, has suggested players who cover their mouths while addressing opponents could be sent off as part of the governing body’s battle against racism.The practice, which has long been deployed to prevent cameras picking up conversations between teammates and opposition, has been put in focus after Vinícius Júnior’s allegations of discriminatory abuse by Gianluca Prestianni. The Benfica player denies doing so but was suspended for his side’s Champions League playoff second leg against Vinícius’s Real Madrid pending the outcome of a formal investigation. Continue reading…

Trump open to talks with Iran as conflict deepens in Middle East

by Julian Borger in London and Jason Burke in Jerusalem on March 1, 2026 at 8:54 pm

US president signals willingness to engage with Tehran’s surviving leadership as strikes and retaliatory attacks intensify across regionUS-Israel war on Iran – latest updatesDonald Trump said on Sunday he was prepared to talk to what was left of the Iranian leadership in the wake of the killing of the country’s supreme leader by US-Israeli air strikes aimed at overthrowing the regime.Trump was speaking as a second day of intense bombing of Iranian cities and Tehran’s missile counter-attacks sent tremors across the region and through the global economy. Continue reading…

Netanyahu’s latest war has few critics in an Israel embracing militarism

by Emma Graham-Harrison and Quique Kierszenbaum in Tel Aviv on March 1, 2026 at 8:03 pm

Attack on Iran has widespread support, with little questioning of whether it is best option for lasting securityUS-Israel war on Iran – latest updatesIn June, Benjamin Netanyahu declared “a historic victory, which will stand for generations” after the 12-day war on Iran.His decision to attack Iran again, less than a year later, was greeted with broad and enthusiastic support from Israeli politicians, including the prime minister’s bitter rivals, and a public willing to endure death and massive disruption to their lives. Continue reading…

OBR a backseat driver with out-of-date maps, thinktanks tell Rachel Reeves

by Heather Stewart on March 1, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Chancellor urged to reform Office for Budget Responsibility to open way to more public investmentRachel Reeves must reform the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to open the way to more public investment, an alliance of thinktanks has argued ahead of the chancellor’s spring forecast on Tuesday.With Keir Starmer’s government under intense pressure after Labour’s defeat by the Greens in Thursday’s Gorton and Denton byelection, the thinktanks called on Reeves to review the watchdog’s remit. Continue reading…

Iranian football association unsure if national team will play at World Cup in US

by Will Magee and agencies on March 1, 2026 at 7:59 pm

‘We cannot look forward with hope,’ says FFIRI presidentEngland Lions match in Abu Dhabi cancelled due to warThe president of Iran’s football federation says he does not know if the national team can play World Cup matches in the US after the US and Israeli bombardment of the country.“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj said to the sports portal Varzesh3 as Iran traded strikes with Israel as part of a widening war prompted by the bombardment. Continue reading…

Brennan becomes first Briton since Cavendish to win Flemish classic in sprint finish

by Agence France-Presse on March 1, 2026 at 7:47 pm

20-year-old claims victory in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne‘I’m always there in these kind of races’The 20-year-old British sprinter Matthew Brennan rocketed out of an accelerating pack to win the Flemish classic Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne for team Visma-Lease-a-bike on Sunday.Brennan, from Darlington, is the first Briton to win the race since Mark Cavendish in 2012 and 2015, whose finishing sprint was similar to the burgeoning star. Brennan avoided the Cavendish comparison after the race. Continue reading…

The assassination of Iran’s ayatollah – and fears for a wider conflict – podcast

by Presented by Annie Kelly with Patrick Wintour; produced by Danielle Stephens and Eli Block; executive producer Homa Khaleeli on March 1, 2026 at 7:39 pm

Iran’s supreme leader was killed in a military strike on his compound as Israel and the US launched attacks on the country. Patrick Wintour reportsHe survived imprisonment, assassination attempts, decades of protests and exerted a brutal iron grip on Iran’s 90 million people. Now, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is dead. He was killed by US and Israeli air strikes that levelled the compound where he and some of the most senior regime leaders were sheltering.As news of the ayatollah’s death emerged, there was public mourning on the streets of Iran. There were also ecstatic celebrations, inside Iran and around the world, explains Patrick Wintour. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes and vows vengeance, and it is still unclear whether his assassination will bring about the regime change that Donald Trump so clearly desires. It is also unclear what will happen next for Iran, where the air strikes continue and the death toll is spiralling. Continue reading…

Iran’s military options limited as it tries to hit back at US-Israeli attack

by Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor on March 1, 2026 at 7:31 pm

Retaliatory strikes have so far been high in volume but mostly not very effective and are likely to become less soUS-Israel war on Iran – latest updatesIn the grim calculus of war, Iran now has to hope it gets lucky. The first hours of the joint US-Israeli assault were catastrophic for the regime: the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, killed alongside, it is believed, the minister of defence, the head of the armed forces and the head of the powerful Revolutionary Guards.Iran knew its security apparatus had been compromised during the 12-day war of June 2025 when Israel killed a string of senior military commanders. During January’s street protests, Khamenei was moved away to a secure location for his own safety, yet on Saturday he felt safe enough to hold a security meeting in his compound in Tehran. Continue reading…

Henrietta Lacks’ estate settles with Novartis over the ‘stolen cells’ that advanced science

by Associated Press on February 28, 2026 at 1:49 pm

Novartis becomes the second company to settle after being accused of reaping rewards from a racist medical system.

Kennedy announces new vaccine advisory committee members after meeting rescheduled

by Chelsea Cirruzzo on February 28, 2026 at 1:53 am

Kennedy adds two new members to the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee

STAT+: Minnesota report shows large hospitals continue to dominate the 340B drug discount program

by Ed Silverman on February 27, 2026 at 9:53 pm

Minnesota hospitals and clinics participating in a controversial U.S. drug discount program reaped at least $1.34 billion in revenue in 2024.

STAT+: Trump most-favored nation drug pricing deals end after three years for some companies

by John Wilkerson on February 27, 2026 at 8:58 pm

SEC filings show that, at least for some drugmakers, “most-favored nation” drug pricing deals with President Trump last three years.

Kansas’ new ID law could have health consequences for trans people

by O. Rose Broderick on February 27, 2026 at 6:54 pm

Get your daily dose of health and medicine every weekday with STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds. Sign up here. Happy Friday. If I ever have kids, I want them to be…

STAT+: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings

by Ed Silverman on February 27, 2026 at 4:22 pm

From new hires to departures, promotions and transfers, here are the latest comings and goings in the pharmaceutical industry.

Opinion: Former surgeon general: The Senate must not approve someone who can’t practice medicine as the nation’s top doctor

by Jerome Adams on February 27, 2026 at 3:17 pm

“The surgeon general is not a wellness influencer,” writes former Surgeon General Jerome Adams of Casey Means.

STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about FDA and a ‘smear campaign,’ Cigna buying a large pharmacy, and more

by Ed Silverman on February 27, 2026 at 2:30 pm

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defended the agency’s recent rejections of rare disease drugs and top agency official Vinay Prasad

From ALS to dental floss: Here are the teams competing in STAT Madness 2026

by Amanda Erickson on February 27, 2026 at 9:30 am

A genetic test to diagnose ALS. Dental floss that can track your cortisol levels. Check out the 64 innovations and discoveries in our annual STAT Madness bracket.

Can an RFK Jr. action figure help cement the MAHA-MAGA alliance?

by Chelsea Cirruzzo and Daniel Payne on February 27, 2026 at 9:30 am

He’s an action figure. He’s a milk-drinking rave-goer. He’s America’s health secretary.

Opinion: I’m a rare disease mom, and I finally have new hope for my son’s future

by Judy Stecker on February 27, 2026 at 9:30 am

For too long, the promise of personalized therapies has been tantalizingly close, yet frustratingly out of reach for rare-disease families.

Opinion: U.S. government must invest more in research around men’s sexual and reproductive health

by Kenneth H. Mayer on February 27, 2026 at 9:30 am

It’s high time to focus on sexual and reproductive health for men.

STAT+: Justice Department backs AbbVie in its bid to overturn a Colorado law guiding a drug discount program

by Ed Silverman on February 26, 2026 at 9:41 pm

DOJ is backing AbbVie in its battle to overturn a Colorado law that prohibits pharmaceutical companies from placing restrictions on the 340B drug discount program.

STAT+: Cigna, extending reach into prescription drugs, acquires major pharmacy used by hospitals

by Bob Herman on February 26, 2026 at 8:24 pm

Scoop: Cigna has acquired CarepathRx, a large pharmacy backed by private equity that dispenses prescription drugs to nearly 10% of U.S. hospitals.

Listen: FDA turmoil, election intrigue, AI, and more

by Adam Feuerstein on February 26, 2026 at 6:56 pm

On this week’s Readout LOUD: Adam is joined by guest host Jared Holz to talk M&A, FDA turmoil, election intrigue, and more.

CMS announces pause on new durable medical equipment suppliers

by O. Rose Broderick on February 26, 2026 at 6:09 pm

The Trump administration issued a nationwide moratorium on new suppliers for certain medical equipment, citing fraud.

Everything you need to know about RFK Jr., MAHA, and ‘glypho-gate’

by Alex Hogan on February 26, 2026 at 5:59 pm

This week on STATus Report, everything you need to know about RFK Jr., MAHA, and “glypho-gate.”

STAT+: The nation’s MAHA mom lands in Congress, with some uncomfortable questions

by John Wilkerson on February 26, 2026 at 4:23 pm

Casey Means’ confirmation hearing, prior auth reforms are a priority, and other updates from D.C. Diagnosis

STAT+: What stands between brain implants and FDA approval?

by Mario Aguilar on February 26, 2026 at 4:11 pm

In this edition of STAT Health Tech: The regulatory challenges faced by startups developing implanted brain-computer interfaces, and more.

STAT+: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defends rare disease drug rejections, Vinay Prasad

by Lizzy Lawrence and John Wilkerson on February 26, 2026 at 3:20 pm

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defended the agency’s recent rejections of rare disease drugs and one of his deputies, Vinay Prasad, in an interview with CNBC.

This Giant Carnivore Ran on Hooves. Scientists Are Investigating Its Massive Skull and Crushing Teeth to Decipher the Beast’s True Nature

on February 19, 2026 at 6:37 pm

For more than a century, paleontologists have been piecing together how the mysterious predator Andrewsarchus is related to other mammals, like the extinct “hell pigs” and “wolves with hooves”

The Sahara Desert Hasn’t Always Been a Dry, Desolate Landscape. Some Scientists See Signs It May Be Greening Again

on February 19, 2026 at 11:00 am

Petroglyphs on sandstone at a national park in Chad bear witness to wildlife that once roamed the area before the continent’s water largely receded 6,000 years ago. Could it return?

After a Devastating Bird Flu Outbreak, Scotland’s Seabirds Are Slowly Recovering—and So Are the Scientists Who Witnessed Their Decline

on February 18, 2026 at 1:12 pm

The world’s largest colony of northern gannets was decimated by bird flu in 2022. Now, as their numbers climb again, researchers are collecting data to understand the virus’ lasting effects

When Coyotes Threatened Livestock on Central Texas Ranches, the Solution Was to Unlock an Ancient Ability in Dogs

on February 17, 2026 at 10:00 am

Killing the predators is not nearly as effective as the intimidating presence of well-trained guardians, a role some breeds have played for 5,000 years

Gallop Into the Year of the Horse With These Five Amazing Equine Discoveries

on February 13, 2026 at 1:26 pm

Since their domestication, horses have changed the course of human history. It’s no wonder the Chinese zodiac associates them with prosperity and success

The Tragedy of the Alps’ Disappearing Glaciers for Those Who Live, Visit and Ski There

on February 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Warming temperatures are wreaking havoc at elevation, upending the Winter Olympics and the tourism industry and imperiling communities

An Asteroid Ended the Age of the Dinosaurs. But How Did Their Reign Begin? Mysterious Early Reptiles May Hold the Answer

on February 11, 2026 at 3:10 pm

Researchers are uncovering the evolutionary steps that set the stage for dinosaurs to rule the planet

These Lazy Bats Are Super-Efficient Killers That Carefully Conserve Energy to Attack at a Moment’s Notice

on February 9, 2026 at 3:18 pm

Wild fringe-lipped bats spend just one-tenth of the night in flight, but they can precisely snatch a calling frog and nab prey that rivals their own size

If Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold

on February 6, 2026 at 12:30 pm

They race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death

These Beetles Are Entirely Dependent on Ants for Survival. Here’s Why That’s Not an Evolutionary Death Sentence

on February 5, 2026 at 4:01 pm

Rove beetles cloak themselves in ant pheromones to sneak into the insects’ nests for protection. But in an odd catch-22, that makes them forever reliant on their hosts

Seals Are Seemingly Vanishing Off the Dutch Coast. These Scientists Are Trying to Get to the Bottom of the Mysterious Disappearances

on February 4, 2026 at 2:45 pm

Recent counts of the Wadden Sea’s adult harbor seal population have revealed a surprising trend of decline, prompting a consortium of researchers to investigate whether the animals are dying off, relocating or experiencing something else altogether

Small, Stubby-Armed Dinosaurs Have Confounded Paleontologists. Are Answers Finally Within Reach?

on February 2, 2026 at 1:00 pm

Recent discoveries about an alvarezsaur called Manipulonyx have drawn renewed attention to this group of bird-like, clawed creatures and the mysteries around their anatomy and behavior

Cannibalism Among Snakes Is Far More Widespread Than Previously Thought

on January 29, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Scientists undertook the first comprehensive assessment of how often snakes eat their own, uncovering reports of the behavior in more than 200 species

These Hungry Starfish Are Spiraling Out of Control in Australia. Now Scientists Say They Have a New Plan to Fight Back

on January 28, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Synthetic pheromones may be a promising tool in attracting and culling troublesome crown-of-thorns starfish, which rapidly eat large amounts of coral on the Great Barrier Reef

Strange, Shovel-Tusked Elephants Puzzled Paleontologists, Until Experts Took a Closer Look at Their Teeth

on January 26, 2026 at 12:30 pm

The animals’ extended lower jaws were seemingly made for scooping, but research over the past few decades has found they could do a lot more than initially expected

The Penguins That Thrive—and the Ones Left Behind—as Antarctica Warms

on January 23, 2026 at 7:07 pm

A new decade-long study tracked 37 penguin colonies and found that the birds are breeding earlier. The shift marks one way among many that climate change is transforming life at the bottom of the world

Get an Eyeful of These 15 Photos of Incredibly Cool Icicles

on January 23, 2026 at 3:45 pm

Nature’s wintry accessory, icicles help beautify snowy landscapes

Three Stunning Ways Biologists Aim to Edit Animal and Plant Genes to Fight Diseases and Extinction

on January 21, 2026 at 3:00 pm

The strategy, known as synthetic biology, is gaining momentum globally as a conservation tool and human health solution, despite attracting some critics

‘Aha’ Moments Seem to Come Out of Nowhere. How Does the Brain Create These Sudden Bursts of Insight?

on January 20, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Neuroscientists are tracking the brain activity that underlies a cognitive breakthrough and unraveling how it might boost memory

The Hidden World of Cold-Water Corals Rises to the Surface With These Glass Sculptures That Are Resurrecting a Lost Craft

on January 15, 2026 at 12:30 pm

As increased industrial activity puts fragile deep-sea ecosystems at risk, one artist is raising awareness about imperiled corals through scientific model making

Datacentre developers face calls to disclose effect on UK’s net emissions

by Dan Milmo Global technology editor on March 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm

Campaign groups write to technology secretary amid concerns that sites could double overall electricity demandDatacentre developers are facing pressure to reveal whether their projects will increase the UK’s net greenhouse gas emissions, amid concerns the sites could double national electricity demand.Campaign groups have written to the UK technology secretary, Liz Kendall, warning that the energy required by new AI infrastructure poses a “serious threat to efforts to decarbonise the electricity grid”. Continue reading…

Thousands of pollution incidents in England downgraded without site visit, data suggests

by Sandra Laville Environment correspondent on March 1, 2026 at 7:00 am

Exclusive: Whistleblower figures show large rise in ‘serious’ to ‘minor’ downgrades based on water company evidenceEnvironment Agency (EA) staff have downgraded thousands of serious pollution incidents by water companies in England without visiting to investigate, data unearthed by freedom of information (FoI) requests suggests.The figures were obtained by Robert Forrester, a whistleblower who left the agency in January and has spent nine years shining a light on the state of the water industry. His identity was revealed in the Channel 4 docudrama Dirty Business this week, and he has vowed to carry on fighting to expose the truth. Continue reading…

A scorching summer has left Australian wildlife on the brink, but it doesn’t have to be this way | Euan Ritchie and Jess Harwood

by Euan Ritchie and Jess Harwood on February 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm

Unsettling predictions are now our catastrophic reality, but a brighter future is still within reach if our political leaders change courseSoaring, scorching, record temperatures, yet again. Distressing, protracted droughts. Raging fires and devastating floods. Australia’s summer is drawing to a close, and a reprieve from climate whiplash can’t come soon enough.We’ve witnessed and suffered immense losses and deep heartache for wildlife, ecosystems, and our communities. There was a time when the dire potential consequences of climate breakdown and environmental destruction were warnings, calls from scientists and experts for increased and urgent action. Now an unsettling possibility feels like a disturbing reality. Continue reading…

‘Who’d guess they’re the same species?’ What Italy’s wall lizards reveal about genetic diversity and why it matters

on February 28, 2026 at 7:00 am

Understanding biodiversity within species is key to our understanding of why nature works the way it does, say researchersWords and photographs by Roberto García-RoaTwelve miles from the heart of Rome, Dr Javier Ábalos pauses his walk, lifts his sunglasses and points. To his right, perched on a rocky wall, sits a beautiful lizard. Its body is coated in charcoal-black tones speckled with striking yellow across a green dorsum, and its head, with a prominent jaw, is splashed with fluorescent blue spots. The reptile basks in the sun, unconcerned by our presence.About 80 miles (130km) drive farther along the road that connects the capital with the small village of Poggio di Roio, the researcher from the University of Valencia has barely stepped out of the car when he spots another lizard. This one is smaller, with a brownish body and a narrower head crisscrossed by a network of dark stripes.Researchers fear the common wall lizard of the white morph could be driven to extinction by the arrival of a new variation Continue reading…

North Dakota judge finalizes $345m judgment against Greenpeace in pipeline case

by Reuters on February 28, 2026 at 2:09 am

Judge slashed a $667m damages award to Energy Transfer over Greenpeace’s role in Dakota Access Pipeline protestsA North Dakota judge on Friday finalized a $345m judgment against Greenpeace in a lawsuit pursued by pipeline company Energy Transfer (ET.N) over the environmental group’s role in protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.The final judgment by judge James Gion was in line with a decision he issued in October, in which he slashed by almost half a damages award of about $667m that a jury had awarded Energy Transfer in March. Continue reading…

Last of the summer rain puts southern states on flood watch and Sydney on alert for bull sharks

by Lisa Cox on February 28, 2026 at 12:33 am

SA premier Peter Malinauskas warns residents to prepare for heavy falls and possible flash floodsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLate summer rain is causing havoc across Australia, with South Australia on flood watch, Victoria cleaning up after a downpour, and Sydney issuing a shark warning after heavy falls.Almost all of South Australia, much of western Victoria and parts of western NSW were on flood watch as a slow-moving pressure system from central Australia moved east. Queensland had also seen severe rainfall. Continue reading…

Winter getting shorter in 80% of major US cities, new data shows

by Sara Braun in New York on February 27, 2026 at 7:18 pm

Researchers find that across 195 US cities, winters are on average nine days shorter than they were in 1970-1997For the millions of people across the United States who have spent the last month digging themselves out of above-average levels of snow and ice, this winter has felt especially long and harsh. But the typical winter is actually getting shorter in 80% of major US cities scrutinized by researchers, according to new data released by Climate Central, an independent climate science and communication group.Researchers found that across 195 US cities, winters are on average nine days shorter today than they were from 1970 to 1997, as the climate crisis progresses. Continue reading…

Red Hill, Canberra: its walking tracks, scar trees and ochre earth underfoot will always transport me

by Paul Daley on February 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm

What is a favourite place if not one built upon our fondest memories?Would I like to write about my favourite place?The invitation inspired me to recall so many magical places – from north-east Arnhem Land to Mediterranean island hamlets with idyllic quayside tavernas, from the Melbourne Cricket Ground on grand final day to Dickensian London pubs, from picture postcard villages beneath snow-capped alpine peaks to the haunts of my literary giants and on to Joshua Tree and Hagia Sofia. Continue reading…

Trump officials move to kill system that protects US from chemical disasters

by Tom Perkins on February 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm

EPA rolls back rules as chemical firms claim provisions in RMP protection system too expensive to implementSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe Trump administration is slowly dismantling the federal disaster management system that protects the nation from chemical catastrophes, such as fires and explosions at high-risk facilities.The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Response Management Program (RMP) requires more than 12,500 high-risk facilities to develop protocols to prevent catastrophes, or limit fallout, and was largely designed to protect workers, first responders, and fence-line communities. Continue reading…

Lynx could return to Scotland – but can rewilders win over wary Highlanders?

by Patrick Barkham on February 27, 2026 at 1:32 pm

With most Scots supportive of reintroducing the wild cat, charities are focusing on those whose jobs could be affectedCould lynx, the elusive wild cat driven to extinction in Britain more than 1,000 years ago, become the new Loch Ness monster? “Whether Nessie’s there or not, she draws tourists,” said Margaret Luckwell, a resident of Moray, Scotland. “It would be the same with lynx. I’d love to see a lynx in the wild.”Luckwell’s view is a majority one among local people gathering at village halls across the Highlands, as a painstaking consultation slowly gathers momentum for the apex predator’s return to Scottish forests. Continue reading…

Most US coal plants could meet air pollution rules. Trump weakened them anyway

by Oliver Milman on February 27, 2026 at 12:30 pm

EPA found only 27 of 219 plants needed upgrades; 71 later got exemptions as Donald Trump scrapped mercury limitsAlmost all coal-fired power plants in the US had the ability to comply with rules limiting their emission of dangerous pollutants such as mercury that can cause brain damage in children. Despite this, Donald Trump’s administration decided to demolish the standards anyway.Last week, the Trump administration said it is loosening restrictions on air toxins from mercury, lead and other heavy metals that are released by coal plants. Such pollution is known to be neurotoxic and has been linked to irreversible brain damage in children and infants, as well as heart disease and cancer in adults. Continue reading…

Week in wildlife: rescued dolphins, a white whale and a precious kākāpō chick

by Joanna Ruck on February 27, 2026 at 8:00 am

This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world Continue reading…

Seals, shipwrecks and a screaming swallower: Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 – in pictures

by Guardian Staff on February 27, 2026 at 6:00 am

The annual competition draws thousands of entries from across the world and brings together images from below the water’s surface that show the diversity and challenges of subaquatic lifeAll photographs courtesy of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 Continue reading…

Judge sides with salmon against Trump administration in hydropower ruling

by Gabrielle Canon on February 26, 2026 at 10:26 pm

Federal judge in Oregon rejects bid to overturn Biden-era agreement to protect endangered fish populationsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts direct to your inboxA federal judge in Oregon sided with salmon against the Trump administration on Wednesday, ordering the federal government to change hydropower system operations long considered at the heart of native fish populations’ sharp decline.At the center of the dispute are eight dams and reservoirs on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific north-west that have created devastating obstacles for salmon and steelhead unable to breach their deadly turbines or navigate through the large, warm, artificial pools. The federal agencies and their supporters, which include a group of utilities, water managers and farming organizations, argued that reservoir drawdown would put power reliability in peril. Continue reading…

Democrats urge dropping plan to double gas exports as US energy prices soar

by Dharna Noor on February 26, 2026 at 6:10 pm

Families are ‘struggling with cost of heating their homes’, letter says as Trump repeatedly pledges to slash utility billsAs energy prices for US households soar nationwide, Democratic and progressive lawmakers are calling on the energy department to end its plan to double exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).“The Trump administration’s LNG export policies are not putting America first: they have jacked up utility prices for families, leaving many Americans struggling with the cost of heating their homes this winter,” reads a letter to the energy secretary, Chris Wright, sent the Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Independent senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and seven others. Continue reading…

Riding the wave: can surf tourism save Peru’s ancient reed-boat fishing culture?

by Dan Collyns in Huanchaco, Peru on February 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm

As fish stocks dwindle, surf tourism may offer a lifeline to traditional caballitos de totora fishers, whose vessels are thought to be among the first ever used to ride wavesJust before dawn, in a scene that has repeated itself over thousands of years on the north coast of Peru, fishers drag boats made of bound reeds to the water’s edge and, kneeling on them, use paddles shaped from split bamboo to row out into the Pacific Ocean to catch their breakfast. A few hours later, these surfer fishers return with netfuls of their catch, riding waves on the final stretch back to the shore. From the main beach in Huanchaco – a seaside town near the city of Trujillo – the fish are taken to sell at the market or to beachfront restaurants preparing meals for tourists.The four-metre-long reed vessels – known as caballitos de totora in Spanish, or “little reed horses” – are placed upright on their ends by the promenade on El Mogote beach so that the seawater drains away and they are ready to be used the next morning. Continue reading…

Judge orders Greenpeace to pay $345m over Dakota Access pipeline protest

by Associated Press in Bismarck on February 25, 2026 at 11:55 pm

Group says case far from over after being found liable for defamation and other claims brought by energy firmA North Dakota judge has said he will order Greenpeace to pay damages expected to total $345m in connection with protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline from nearly a decade ago, a figure the environmental group contends it cannot pay.In court papers filed on Tuesday, Judge James Gion said he would sign an order requiring several Greenpeace entities to pay the judgment to pipeline company Energy Transfer. He set that amount at $345m last year in a decision that reduced a jury’s damages by about half, but his latest filing did not specify a final amount. Continue reading…

Tropical plants flowering months earlier or later because of climate crisis – study

by Phoebe Weston on February 25, 2026 at 7:00 pm

Changes threaten ecosystems as flowering falls out of sync with fruit-eating, seed-dispersing animals and pollinatorsTropical flowers are blooming months earlier or later than they used to because of climate breakdown, with potentially “cascading impacts across ecosystems”, according to a study of 8,000 plants dating back 200 years.Researchers looked at flowers from a range of countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana and Thailand, home to the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, but also the most understudied. Continue reading…

Why food justice isn’t being served in America | Hanna Garth

by Hanna Garth on February 25, 2026 at 2:52 pm

Advocates often assume communities of color just don’t know any better when it comes to eating healthyI met the man I’ll call Randy Johnson 13 years ago, as I began research in South Central Los Angeles. I’m an anthropologist who explores how people think about food and use food in their everyday lives. As executive director of a large food justice organization focused on K-12 education throughout the city, Randy was a key source. He talked to me about South Central’s status as a food desert, where its majority Latinx and Black residents had little access to groceries or healthy food. A middle-aged white man, Randy told me of his work in South Central, which centered around encouraging school-age children to eat more fresh vegetables.He described South Central as a wasteland of sorts. “There is just nothing there,” he said, pointing to the common but false idea that there were no grocery stores there. He then pivoted to talking about the residents. “I see them having almost zero education when it comes to [making healthy eating choices]. They don’t know that what they’re eating is destroying them slowly. It’s just that we, as a society, have failed our citizens to educate them that they shouldn’t be buying the fries every day.”Hanna Garth is assistant professor of anthropology at Princeton University Continue reading…

Australia’s most costly anti-climate policy hits taxpayers for $30m a day as calls mount to wind back fuel tax credits | Adam Morton

by Adam Morton on February 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm

The government will hand over $10.8bn this financial year under the scheme that makes it cheaper for miners and other industries to use diesel and petrolWant to get this in your inbox when it publishes? Sign up for the Clear Air Australia newsletter hereIt’s the most costly anti-climate policy in the Australian government budget, working against efforts to cut emissions. This financial year, taxpayers will hand over nearly $10.8bn to make it cheaper for miners, farmers and some other industries to use diesel and petrol.How much? Nearly $30m a day, every day of the year. Or $20,500 a minute, around the clock.Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s Clear Air column as a free newsletter Continue reading…

There are no psychopaths

by Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen on February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am

Virtually everything you think you know about psychopathy has been thoroughly debunked. Why does this zombie idea live on?- by Rasmus Rosenberg LarsenRead on Aeon

Love immortal

by Aeon Video on February 26, 2026 at 11:01 am

In pursuit of defeating death, Alan has dedicated his life to cryonics. He hopes to be defrosted together with his wife- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

The presence of power

by Shomik Dasgupta on February 26, 2026 at 11:00 am

The Indian thinker Rammohun Roy believed that good governance must be close: distance made the British Empire cruel- by Shomik DasguptaRead on Aeon

Divers

by Aeon Video on February 25, 2026 at 11:01 am

The meticulous preparation and fleeting ecstasy of elite high-diving captured in all its breathtaking shapes and sounds- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

The six-second hug

by Julian Baggini on February 24, 2026 at 11:00 am

From art to religion to sex, instrumentalisation has drained away intrinsic value. But life is about more than material benefits- by Julian BagginiRead on Aeon

Inside Pompeii

by Aeon Video on February 23, 2026 at 11:01 am

We may know Pompeii for its destruction, but this intricate 3D rendering brings to life what a bustling city it once was- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

Conservation’s prejudice

by Carlos Santana on February 23, 2026 at 11:00 am

Ecology is pervaded by a nativist dogma against invasive species that distorts the science and undermines wildness- by Carlos SantanaRead on Aeon

Going-against-the-grainers

by Dane Leigh Gogoshin on February 20, 2026 at 11:00 am

If our ethical beliefs come from our social environment, how do some people find the moral courage to defy convention?- by Dane Leigh GogoshinRead on Aeon

If I told it: an imperfect portrait of ChatGPT

by Aeon Video on February 19, 2026 at 11:01 am

Amid growing cultural panic about the use of AI in writing, we’re missing the most important point: AI cannot write- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

Books and screens

by Carlo Iacono on February 19, 2026 at 11:00 am

Your inability to focus isn’t a failing. It’s a design problem, and the answer isn’t getting rid of our screen time- by Carlo IaconoRead on Aeon

Esteban Cabeza de Baca’s time travels

by Aeon Video on February 18, 2026 at 11:01 am

Defying time and colonial power, a landscape artist layers the deep histories of his ancestors to create hopeful futures- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

Mexistentialism

by Carlos Alberto Sánchez on February 17, 2026 at 11:00 am

The Mexican embrace of uncertainty, forged in the crucible of history, captures the true vulnerability of our existence- by Carlos Alberto SánchezRead on Aeon

Snow line

by Aeon Video on February 16, 2026 at 11:01 am

How do you teach a child reverence for nature? This filmmaker takes his son on a search for the ever-changing snow line- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

The snowball effect

by Graham Shields on February 16, 2026 at 11:00 am

Our planet was once a harsh, alien, icy world. Yet this deep freeze may have shaped you, me and all life on Earth- by Graham ShieldsRead on Aeon

Guarding the guardians

by Julien Lie-Panis on February 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Good institutions are social technologies that scale trust from personal relations to entire nations. How do they work?- by Julien Lie-PanisRead on Aeon

Stephen and David’s toy cupboard

by Aeon Video on February 12, 2026 at 11:01 am

David’s handcrafted figurines pay tribute to cultural icons. His latest project takes on his greatest hero, his late brother- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

Subverting hell

by Charlie Ericson on February 12, 2026 at 11:00 am

In their visions of the underworld Dante and Milton were truly subversive, incorporating predecessors into their own repudiation- by Charlie EricsonRead on Aeon

Desi oon

by Aeon Video on February 11, 2026 at 11:01 am

A jaunty song calls for greater appreciation of Indian wool, as imports undermine the livelihoods of local herders- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon

Compost modernity!

by Yogi Hale Hendlin on February 10, 2026 at 11:00 am

The vision of solarpunk: joining nature with technology in vibrantly inclusive ways to create a world that truly blooms- by Yogi Hale HendlinRead on Aeon

Carlo Rovelli: thermal time

by Aeon Video on February 9, 2026 at 11:01 am

Is time a property of the Universe? Yes, if you conceive of it as heat: a mind-boggling yet oddly comforting perspective- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon