This week's magazine
22 June 2024
Issue 3496
On the cover
Editor's picks
Table of contents
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Environment
Russia faces $32 billion bill for carbon emissions from Ukraine war
The estimated greenhouse gas emissions caused by the war in Ukraine are equivalent to around 175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and Ukraine plans to include the associated climate damage in its compensation claim against Russia
Technology
Ukraine is using AI to manage the removal of Russian landmines
Space
Odd black holes smaller than protons may have once littered the cosmos
Health
Walking with irregular strides may help you burn more calories
Physics
Hybrid design could make nuclear fusion reactors more efficient
Health
Polycystic ovary syndrome could be treated with a malaria drug
Technology
Watch a humanoid robot driving a car extremely slowly
Life
Elephants seem to invent names for each other
Health
Astronaut medical records reveal the health toll of space travel
Space
The largest volcanoes on Mars have frosted tips during winter
Environment
Cooling fabric blocks heat from pavement and buildings in hot cities
Health
Lung-targeted CRISPR therapy offers hope for cystic fibrosis
Mathematics
Mathematicians discover impossible problem in Super Mario games
Technology
Quantum sensor gets a read on tiny worm implanted with nanodiamonds
Space
We could detect a malfunctioning warp drive on an alien starship
Life
Australian pterosaur had a huge tongue to help gulp down prey
Physics
Liquid crystals could improve quantum communication devices
Health
Muscle zapping during exercise helps people recover after a stroke
Environment
Marine fungus can break down floating plastic pollution
Space
The first stars in the universe could have formed surprisingly early
Analysis
Environment
UK election: How can the next government get climate goals on track?
The UK’s journey to net zero has stalled – whoever wins the 4 July election will need to get it moving again, but many climate scientists are frustrated with what the main parties are offering
Health
Martin Rees: Why challenge prizes can solve our most pressing issues
Life
Could we merge biologically with the fungal network and live forever?
Features
Technology
The truth about social media and screen time’s impact on young people
There are many scary claims about excess time on digital devices for children and teenagers. Here’s a guide to the real risks - and what to do about them
Society
Why humanity’s survival may depend on us becoming a tribe of billions
Space
Is an old NASA probe about to redraw the frontier of the solar system?
Culture
Comment
New book explores how games shape the world – for better or for worse
From chess to nuclear war planning, Kelly Clancy takes a wide-ranging look at how games and gaming have changed society in Playing With Reality
Comment
Engaging new book explores how vital mathematics is to map-making
Comment
¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ recommends puzzle book S. by Doug Dorst and J. J. Abrams
Comment
Léa Seydoux and George MacKay dazzle in shocking sci-fi film The Beast
More
Health
Dear David: How do I help my daughters deal with their social anxiety?
In his evidence-based advice column, David Robson has some ideas for a reader worried about his daughters’ social anxiety. Self-compassion is key, he says
Tom Gauld: Science Cat
Twisteddoodles on research band name ideas
Regulars
Is it a severed foot? No, it’s a sea slug
A foot-shaped piece of flotsam has caused confusion among forensic scientists – but Feedback is relieved that the matter was cleared up thanks to that old stalwart, "examination"