The first commercial space stations will start orbiting Earth in 2026 06. January 2026 (15:00) For nearly three decades, the International Space Station has been the only destination in low Earth orbit, but that will change this year. Could it be the start of a thriving economy in space?(New Scientist)
US will need both carrots and sticks to reach net zero 06. January 2026 (13:00) Modelling suggests both carbon taxes and green subsidies will be necessary to decarbonise the US economy, but the inconsistent policies of successive presidents are the "worst case" scenario(New Scientist)
Northern Greenland ice dome melted before and could melt again 05. January 2026 (19:30) The Prudhoe ice dome disappeared during a warm period 7000 years ago. Global warming could cause similar temperatures by 2100, showing the Greenland ice sheet’s vulnerability(New Scientist)
What if the idea of the autism spectrum is completely wrong? 05. January 2026 (17:10) For years, we've thought of autism as lying on a spectrum, but emerging evidence suggests that it comes in several distinct types. The implications for how we support autistic people could be profound(New Scientist)
The best new popular science books of January 2026 05. January 2026 (16:00) A host of new science books are due to hit shelves in January, by authors including Claudia Hammond, Deborah Cohen and Daisy Fancourt(New Scientist)
2026 will shed light on whether a little-known drug helps with autism 05. January 2026 (15:00) The US government is approving the drug leucovorin to address rising rates of autism, despite limited evidence that it works. This year, results from the largest trial yet should give more insight into its potential(New Scientist)
The best new science fiction books of January 2026 05. January 2026 (11:00) Big hitter Peter F. Hamilton has a new sci-fi novel out this month – and Booker winner George Saunders ventures into speculative fiction with his latest book, Vigil(New Scientist)
