Mysteries of the commonplace
Editor in Chief Nancy Shute reviews new research in static electricity and other science revelations in our September magazine issue.
SCIENTIFIC NEWS
‘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.
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.
Crossword: Lab Animals
Solve the crossword from our September 2026 issue, in which we celebrate some creature features.
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.
Why Epstein-Barr is the ‘everything virus’
The Epstein-Barr virus has taken a huge toll on global health. Understanding how it works could offer ways to combat multiple sclerosis, cancer and...
Spikes, claws and stingers have no single best shape
A study of 143 piercing tools, from tusks to love darts, finds they trade off piercing ability for durability. And no one shape wins...
An unproven autism drug got a boost after a White House briefing
In fall of 2025, the Trump administration touted the drug leucovorin for autism therapy without new evidence. Dispensing of the drug to kids rose.
Static electricity is a mystery, and scientists are all charged up
Scientists are largely clueless about the origins of static electricity. A quirky group of researchers aims to change that.
A new documentary shows what growing up lion is really like
The thrilling National Geographic series, premiering August 19, follows Kio from lion cub to king.
When the rains fail: Preparing for drought in Central America 
‘Here, you can eat until you’re full’: Oleshky evacuees savour first proper meals in years 
COP31: National Oil Companies Must Lead Global Shift Away from Fossil Fuels, Says NRGI Expert 
COP31: Climate finance falls short as calls grow for polluters to pay