Nepal and Northern India are not overdue for a huge earthquake 11. February 2026 (21:35) Many researchers thought that earthquakes in the Himalayas recur at regular intervals – but an analysis of sediment cores has shown they are largely random, and the region has seen far more than we previously realised(New Scientist)
Ancient Peruvian civilisation grew mighty by harvesting guano 11. February 2026 (20:00) The Chincha Kingdom was transporting seabird excrement from islands to valleys as early as the 13th century, and this powerful fertiliser may have been key to its economic success(New Scientist)
What to read this week: Bonded by Evolution by Paul Eastwick 11. February 2026 (19:00) We are told we need cynical strategies to "play" the dating game, but the science says this is totally wrong. David Robson enjoys an evidence-based takedown from psychologist Paul Eastwick(New Scientist)
'Roughly 109.5 golden retrievers': a new way to measure ice 11. February 2026 (19:00) Feedback is always on the lookout for better ways to measure things, and was delighted to learn how the weight of ice is quantified in Austin, Texas(New Scientist)
Why I'm still an environmental optimist – despite it all 11. February 2026 (19:00) It's hard not to despair about the state of the world today, but here are five reasons to be a little bit hopeful, says Fred Pearce(New Scientist)
Exploring sci-fi treats from George Saunders and Matthew Kressel 11. February 2026 (19:00) In George Saunders's Vigil, a ghost visits Earth to help a dying oil tycoon, while terraforming efforts on Mars are about to bear fruit in The Rainseekers by Matthew Kressel. Emily H. Wilson's sci-fi column explores two very different short novels(New Scientist)
