Mysteries of the commonplace
Editor in Chief Nancy Shute reviews new research in static electricity and other science revelations in our September magazine issue.
Nancy Shute
Somalia: Humanitarian aid cuts leave millions of children vulnerable to hunger
The global funding crisis for humanitarian work is taking a growing toll on the most vulnerable children in Somalia, where some aid programmes and...
New initiative launched to shield terrorism victims from online harm
The UN has launched a new initiative to protect victims of terrorist attacks from online harm and re-traumatisation, drawing on harrowing survivor accounts, from...
‘Thunderquakes’ do more than shake the ground — they map it
Scientists used fiber-optic cables to turn “thunderquakes” into underground maps that could help reveal hidden hazards beneath cities.
DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreading exponentially, UN responders warn
As the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history continued spreading on Friday, UN responders renewed their urgent appeal for immediate international support, with...
New Emergency Care Skills Help Tanzania’s Frontline Doctors Save Lives
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, August 21 (IPS) – The 14-year-old girl arrived at the hospital fighting for her life. After a tragic hit-and-run car...
Lailuma Built Opportunities for Afghan Women – Then She Was Killed
FAYZABAD, Afghanistan, August 21 (IPS) – Afghanistan has seen a number of unexplained murders in recent months.One of the latest victims is Lailuma, the...
Plants under attack leave behind a surprising call for backup
Bacteria may build a memory of herbivore attack in the soil and coax new plants to attract wasps to rein in destructive pests.
Shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction is on the rise
A sound wave–based therapy commonly used to dislodge kidney stones is gaining traction as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Crossword: Lab Animals
Solve the crossword from our September 2026 issue, in which we celebrate some creature features.
AI could turn scientific papers into research assistants 
WHO supports Nigeria after first Ebola case confirmed 
A lifesaving medication is not behind the drop in U.S. overdose deaths 
Peek into hidden worlds revealed by the 2026 Nikon Small World contest