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Cloud geoengineering could push heatwaves from US to Europe

21 June 2024

Climate models suggest that a possible scheme to cool the western US by making clouds brighter could work under current conditions, but may have severe unintended consequences in a future scenario


Martha Wells and New Scientist news editor, Sophie Bushwick

Martha Wells: I didn’t know how non-neurotypical I was until Murderbot

21 June 2024

The author of All Systems Red, the latest pick for New Scientist Book Club, on the challenges of imagining technology of the future, an upcoming TV adaptation - and how she fell for her character while writing


The Serpens Nebula

Stunning JWST image proves we were right about how young stars form

20 June 2024

It has long been thought that young stars forming near each other will be aligned in terms of their rotation, and observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have offered confirmation


Sick chimpanzees seek out range of plants with medicinal properties

20 June 2024

Chimpanzees with wounds or gut infections seem to add unusual plants to their diet, and tests show that many of these plants have antibacterial or anti-inflammatory effects


Los Angeles courthouse viewed through a blooming Jacaranda tree

Overheated trees are contributing to urban air pollution

20 June 2024

An aerial survey of Los Angeles reveals that high temperatures cause plants to emit more compounds that can contribute to harmful ozone and PM2.5 air pollution


Abisko aurora sky station with Northern lights above, Abisko National Park, Sweden

Science of astronomy and ice: Sweden

20 June 2024

23 March 2025 - 4 days for £3299.

From striking alpine forests to picturesque snowcapped mountains, travelling to northern Sweden during the winter months offers a truly magical experience. Discover a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty where scientists from all over the world come to study climate change and conduct research in an Arctic environment. 

During this tour, spend time exploring Abisko National Park, an area preserved by scientists since the 1900s. Travel to the Aurora Sky Station, known as one of the best places to view the aurora borealis. Meet with experts at the station, who will teach you more about the phenomena of the northern lights. From here, stay at the unique Icehotel. Every year, when the river Torne freezes, blocks of ice are harvested to create this luxurious igloo hotel, which is the world’s largest hotel made of snow and ice. Stay in one of the hotel's unique "ice rooms", with temperatures of -5°C to -8°C.

Accompanied throughout by Jamie Carter, a freelance science and travel writer with 25 years experience writing about the night sky, eclipses and astronomy. He has written for over 50 publications, including Forbes, SPACE.com, Live Science and BBC Sky at Night magazine. He is the author of A Stargazing Program for Beginners.

This tour is perfect for those with a particular interest in astronomy and nature, or for anyone wanting a truly remote escape.


New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The art and science of writing science fiction: Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales

20 June 2024

8 November 2024 – 3 days from £699 (Early booking price valid until 4 July. See price grid for room options and details)

Take your science fiction writing into a new dimension during this weekend devoted to building new worlds and new works of art. Join New Scientist comment and culture editor Alison Flood, along with author and former New Scientist editor Emily C. Wilson, for an immersive writing weekend. Explore the world of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating sci-fi tales.

You will also be joined by two award-winning science fiction authors, Adam Roberts and Tade Thompson, who will give an insight into how they create their bestselling novels and help inspire you to write your own. Astronomer, ex-NASA astrobiologist and author Martin Griffiths will discuss writing about space travel and alien contact.

Whether you are a seasoned writer, just starting your writing journey or are an avid science fiction enthusiast interested in learning how the craft works, this weekender is the perfect launchpad for your sci-fi dreams. You will come away from the weekend with:

  • Training on how to craft compelling science fiction stories.
  • Insight into how top science fiction authors write their novels.
  • A new cohort of fellow writers.

The weekender will be based at Craig Y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), a unique Grade II* listed hotel and venue housed in a fully restored 1840s gothic castle. The castle sits alongside the upper river Tawe on the edge of the Black Mountains and was owned by 19th-century opera singer Adelina Patti. 

You are welcome to come a day early and stay a date later, using the castle as a base to explore the stunning surroundings. 

So, unleash your imagination and join us for an unforgettable expedition into the future of fiction!


New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Featured: Total Solar Eclipse 2027: Nile Cruise, Egypt

20 June 2024

27 July 2027 - 10 days from £5,249 

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Egypt in 2027 to witness the longest total solar eclipse in our lifetime. Experience an awe-inspiring celestial spectacle from the luxurious comfort of an elegant river cruise ship. Sail along the historic Nile River from Aswan to Luxor, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Egypt's ancient landmarks including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Temple of Edfu, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel.

As the sky darkens and the eclipse begins, you'll be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle, all while enjoying world-class amenities and expert-guided excursions to some of the most iconic sites in Egypt. 

You will be accompanied throughout by an eclipse expert, who will guide you through the event with talks on solar photography, astronomy, future eclipses and the all-important pre-eclipse briefing. In addition to this, New Scientist’s US editor Chelsea Whyte will take a deep dive into ancient Egypt’s contribution to the development of astronomy and the abundant evidence of this in the archaeological sites across the country. There will also be an onboard team of local Egyptologists who will lead you in exploring the history, science and stories of the amazing temples.

Travel aboard the MS Nile Premium, a splendid ship with a rooftop pool, where all the cabins have a river view for you to watch life on the river banks as you float slowly by. A perfect. blend of astronomical wonder, historical insight, adventure and relaxation on this extraordinary cruise. 

The tour will provide a fun and relaxing environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers. You will travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the ancient world and experience the wonder of eclipses and astronomy. The talks will be suitable for those who are new to solar astronomy as well as experienced eclipse chasers plus those who just want to experience Egypt and an amazing total solar eclipse in a unique immersive tour.


Microphone made of atom-thick graphene could be used in smartphones

20 June 2024

Reducing the size of the microphone in electronic devices would allow manufacturers to include more of them, increasing the capability for noise cancellation


Watch leeches jump by coiling their bodies like cobras

20 June 2024

Researchers have confirmed a centuries-old rumour that leeches can jump, which they may do to land their next blood meal


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