This week's magazine
12 August 2023
Issue 3451
On the cover
Editor's picks
Table of contents
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Physics
¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµs race to test claimed room-temperature superconductor
Researchers are moving quickly to test if a material called LK-99 really is a superconductor at room temperature and pressure. Several labs have already announced results
Physics
Why it’s so hard to tell if LK-99 is a room-temperature superconductor
Environment
Flower that thrives in Death Valley may hold secret to heat adaptation
Space
Astronomers have spotted inexplicably bright light coming from the sun
Humans
We are hopeless at telling when we have goosebumps
Space
NASA has regained contact with Voyager 2 after losing it for a week
Technology
Nuclear fusion breakthrough: Is cheap, clean energy finally here?
Health
ADHD linked to disrupted brain signals involved in focusing attention
Life
Ancient whale might have been the heaviest animal that ever lived
Life
Neuron-like machinery helps anemones decide when to sting
Technology
AI voices are hard to spot even if you know audio might be a deepfake
Life
Bees miss out on sleep if they are exposed to light at night
Chemistry
Chemical reaction used in cooking may have helped complex life evolve
Life
Tropical tree species that grow far apart can better avoid ‘enemies’
Physics
Gold flakes glow when they are bathed in light and now we know how
Health
Your gut microbiome is linked to your fitness and biological age
Technology
Energy-storing concrete could form foundations for solar-powered homes
Technology
Artificial spider silk could help us harvest drinking water from air
Life
Male moths make their own perfume from flowers to attract females
Physics
Swimming behind someone cuts drag by up to 40 per cent
Analysis
Health
Why consumer tests for risk of Alzheimer’s have potential downsides
People in the US can now order a blood test online that will reveal if they have a high risk of developing Alzheimer's - but it is unclear what they can do with that information
Health
Weight-loss injections need to be for life, not just two years
Humans
How prehistoric people settled one of Earth’s most extreme places
Features
Health
How working out your ageotype could help you live healthier for longer
Your body is ageing down one of four - or more - possible pathways. Figuring out your "ageotype" could help you zero in on the things you can do to stay healthier for longer
Environment
Sewage crisis: The truth about British rivers and how to clean them up
Physics
From time crystals to wormholes: When is a quantum simulation real?
Culture
Comment
Cave of Bones review: Lee Berger on the discovery of Homo naledi
Following his discovery of the ancient hominin Homo naledi, Lee Berger was determined to enter the cave where the fossils were discovered, but a dreadful journey lay ahead
Comment
Alone review: Insightful bestseller explores long-term singlehood
Comment
¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ recommends: The Left Hand of Darkness and The Big Sleep
Comment
How Oppenheimer addresses the paranoia around nuclear power
More
Regulars
Would you trust a robot with eyes?
Roboticists have theorised that putting eyes on robots would induce people to trust them (the robots, not the roboticists). Feedback investigates the latest research - and finds it inconclusive.