New Scientist

Political Lean

Center

Avg: -0.1

Avg Embellishment

42

Avg NCI Score

36

Avg Sensationalism

50

The 50-year quest to create a quantum spin liquid may finally be over

A scientist claims to have discovered natural quantum spin liquids in Earth-buried crystals, potentially solving a 50-year scientific quest. The story frames this as breakthrough evidence that quantum entanglement can occur naturally in solid materials, contrasting laboratory difficulty with natural occurrence.

Backlash builds over NHS plan to hide source code from AI hacking risk

NHS England is removing open-source software from public access due to AI hacking concerns. Critics argue this decision undermines transparency and efficiency while providing no actual security benefit.

Hantavirus: Where has the deadly cruise ship outbreak come from?

Three people have died aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius from hantavirus, a rare rodent-transmitted illness. The article frames this as a notable outbreak requiring explanation of origin and transmission details.

Woman in cancer remission without treatment in highly unusual case

A woman with cancer entered remission after a biopsy procedure, apparently without undergoing standard cancer treatment. The article suggests the biopsy itself may have triggered an immune response against the tumor, presenting an unusual medical case.

The problem of cosmic inflation and how to solve it

The article examines cosmic inflation theory in cosmology, noting that while it performs well empirically, it lacks strong theoretical justification. Columnist Leah Crane frames this gap as a puzzle with significant implications for physics fundamentals.

Man destined to get Alzheimer’s saved by accidental heat therapy

A man with a genetic mutation predisposing him to Alzheimer's disease has remained disease-free, possibly due to decades of occupational heat exposure in engine rooms. The article draws a parallel to sauna therapy's potential protective effects against cognitive decline.

Quantum computers simulated their biggest molecule yet – with help

Two quantum computers collaborated with two supercomputers to simulate the largest molecule ever modeled using quantum hardware, setting a new record. The article reports this as a significant milestone in quantum computing capability, achieved through a hybrid computational approach.

300-year-old experiment could become world's best dark matter detector

Scientists are modernizing a 1773 physics experiment originally conducted by Henry Cavendish to potentially detect dark matter particles. The updated version could be significantly more sensitive and cost-effective than current dark matter detection methods.

A lost ancient script reveals how writing as we know it really began

New Scientist reports on a 5,000-year-old writing system that remains largely undeciphered but may represent the earliest moment humans recorded speech in written form. The article frames this discovery as potentially revolutionary to understanding writing's origins.

Is consciousness more fundamental to reality than quantum physics?

New Scientist reports on an emerging scientific framework that positions consciousness as fundamental to understanding reality, potentially rivaling the traditional physicalist approach in quantum physics. The article frames this as a paradigm shift that could resolve major cosmological mysteries.

Why dinosaurs lived much more complex lives than we thought

Recent paleontological discoveries have expanded understanding of dinosaur behavior and social complexity. The article features paleontologist Dave Hone discussing new findings about dinosaur sociality, combat, and lifestyle based on a decade of research.

An unorthodox version of quantum theory could reveal what reality is

The article explores Bohmian mechanics, an alternative interpretation of quantum theory proposed by physicist David Bohm that suggests reality is more solid and deterministic than standard quantum mechanics implies. It examines how this theory could be tested and discusses barriers to its wider acceptance in the scientific community.

The greatest David Attenborough documentaries you really need to watch

New Scientist staff curate a selection of David Attenborough's most notable documentaries to celebrate his 100th birthday. The article presents this as a subjective editorial exercise rather than a definitive ranking.

Tiny frozen world unexpectedly appears to have an atmosphere

A 500-kilometer object in the outer solar system similar to Pluto appears to possess an atmosphere, contradicting previous scientific assumptions about small bodies in that region. The discovery challenges existing models of how atmospheres form and persist on distant celestial objects.

Prebiotic chewing gum could be helpful for gum disease

A small clinical trial found that chewing gum containing nitrate may reduce gum disease symptoms by promoting beneficial oral bacteria growth. The article reports on a preliminary scientific finding without making claims about widespread applicability or regulatory status.

Smart underwear detects lactose intolerance by tracking your farts

Researchers have developed a wearable device that attaches to underwear to monitor flatulence frequency, potentially helping detect lactose intolerance. The article frames this as revealing that people pass gas more often than they realize.

Honey has been used as medicine for centuries – does it really work?

The article examines whether honey has legitimate medicinal properties beyond popular belief, with columnist Alice Klein investigating scientific evidence for honey's health benefits. The piece frames honey as having some proven uses depending on the type, while questioning overstated claims about treating colds or preventing hay fever.