This week's magazine
7 January 2023
Issue 3420
On the cover
Editor's picks
Environment
To confront the climate crisis, we also need a wave of innovation
Mind
How to take control of your self-narrative for a better, happier life
Physics
The crystal growers behind the graphene revolution
Environment
The 12 innovations we need to save humanity and the planet
Table of contents
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Environment
Winter storms in US set to continue while Europe sees record warmth
Weather warnings remain in place in many parts of the US with more heavy snow on the way, while parts of Europe are seeing record warmth for January
Humans
Mysterious symbols in cave paintings may be earliest form of writing
Health
Sneaking drugs into the brain could treat conditions like Alzheimer’s
Life
Glass frogs turn translucent by ‘hiding’ blood in their liver
Health
Parasitic DNA makes us age faster – but we’re not sure why
Life
Canada geese return twice as quickly if you try to shoo them away
Technology
Watch this golf robot navigate to a ball by itself and sink a putt
Physics
It may be possible to traverse a wormhole and then send a signal home
Life
Living in trees may have given great apes vocal skills for consonants
Space
Mars has enough wind to power bases near the poles all year round
Life
Ichthyosaurs used a barren region of the ocean as an ancient nursery
Health
Gout linked to 376 genetic variants in a study of 2.6 million people
Technology
Super-absorbent towel soaks up liquids better than cloth or paper
Health
Stimulating the brainstem may make cochlear implants more effective
Life
Male wasps use spiky genitals to defend themselves from predators
Analysis
Environment
COP15: Treaty may unravel over last-minute disputes and vague targets
A landmark biodiversity agreement was hammered out at the COP15 biodiversity summit over objections from some countries, but it may not live up to lofty expectations
Technology
The green tech that could help Iceland become carbon neutral by 2040
Health
Science needs to work with the arts to reach all who could benefit
Physics
Physicists should take time to ponder the strangest ideas
Features
Mind
How to take control of your self-narrative for a better, happier life
The story you tell about yourself, known as your narrative identity, has a big influence on your well-being and ability to achieve personal goals. Here's how to harness it to your advantage
Environment
The 12 innovations we need to save humanity and the planet
Physics
The crystal growers behind the graphene revolution
Culture
Humans
Awe review: Neglected feeling of awe could help battle climate change
We pay little attention to the feeling of awe, but, as Dacher Keltner's new book argues, it can make our lives more meaningful – and could even help us engage with huge problems like the climate crisis
Humans
Don’t Miss: The Last of Us – hit video game becomes a TV show
Life
Parasites review: A fascinating tour of supremely successful invaders
Humans
The Terraformers review: What do we owe the animals in our care?
More
Space
The stargazing spectacles you need to put in your diary for 2023
Solar and lunar eclipses and stunning views of the planets in the night sky await this year. Here are the key dates to add to your calendar so you don’t miss the fun
Tom Gauld on the department of paradoxical geometry
Twisteddoodles: New year, new me
Regulars
On whether dogs should, or should not, visit hospitals
Feedback is our weekly column of bizarre stories, implausible advertising claims, confusing instructions and more