This week's magazine
7 June 2025
Issue 3546
On the cover
Editor's picks
Table of contents
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Space
Peer into the early universe as light bends around huge galaxy cluster
Abell S1063 is so massive that the light from distant galaxies bends around it, allowing it to act as a magnifying glass to the early universe
Physics
Do we have free will? Quantum experiments may soon reveal the answer
Life
Fossils show puzzling lack of evolution during last ice age peak
Space
Amazing images reveal new details in the sun’s atmosphere
Humans
We’re about to unlock the secrets of ancient human brains
Health
PTSD in 9/11 responders didn’t start improving for nearly a decade
Environment
Test of AI weather forecasts shows they miss extreme storms
Technology
Qubit breakthrough could make it easier to build quantum computers
Humans
Before the Great Wall, Chinese rulers built a shallow ditch
Technology
Any wall can be turned into a camera to see around corners
Environment
Hurricanes aren’t cooling off future storms as much as they once did
Life
First evidence of ancient birds nesting above the Arctic circle
Life
We’re getting close to recreating the first step in evolution of life
Humans
Humans were crafting tools from whale bones 20,000 years ago
Humans
Medieval woman was executed and displayed on London riverbank
Health
How fast you age is dictated by your sex, ethnicity and education
Mathematics
You can make fair dice from any shape you like
Space
Was Planet Nine exiled from the solar system as a baby?
Analysis
Environment
At this rate, carbon dioxide removal will never matter for the climate
The carbon dioxide removal industry is struggling to grow at the pace needed to have a significant role in meeting climate targets
Space
Will SpaceX’s Starship rocket ever work – and what if it doesn’t?
Health
Cord blood banking is not living up to its promise
Features
Life
There’s growing evidence the big five mass extinctions never happened
Surprising new fossil evidence undermines the idea that there was ever a mass extinction on land – and may force us to reframe the current biodiversity crisis
Health
Do corporations actually have more control over your health than you?
Health
Discovering the marvels of mucus is inspiring amazing new medicines
Culture
Physics
Ambitious book on quantum physics still fails to be accessible
A new book on quantum physics is pleasingly full of cutting-edge topics. Yet it isn't the accessible work it promised to be
Humans
¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ recommends Tutankhamun: The immersive exhibition
Mathematics
Why exploring “equality” in a new maths book may help the real world
Space
Life of first US woman in space Sally Ride makes a moving documentary
More
Health
Why nobody is neurodiverse and nobody is neurotypical
Being accurate in the language we use to describe conditions like ADHD matters, and can lead to better outcomes for those affected. The words we choose to use are important, say Alex Conner and James Brown, hosts of podcast The ADHD Adults
Environment
Could undersea living be the future as sea levels rise?
Health
What is the best workout to lower your blood pressure?
Tom Gauld: Learn to read with Physics – lesson one
Twisteddoodles on why we left the ocean
Regulars
Comment
Could a race between microscopic competitors be the next big thing?
Feedback is amazed to see sperm racing touted as a new track sport, but it’s going to take a lot of CGI and other fakery to help it take off