Cryptic crossword #20: How baleen is shaped for use in corsetry? (9)

5 December 2019

Challenge your brain by solving New Scientist's weekly crosswords on your mobile, tablet or desktop

This week’s new question

4 December 2019

When using an online casino, how do you know whether the prizes are randomly allocated or fixed for you personally? Send us your thoughts

Super seers: why some people can see ultraviolet light

4 December 2019

It turns out that some people can see ultraviolet light. Readers explain how this can happen

Shrinking gravity: why doesn't gravity diminish over time?

4 December 2019

A reader wanted to know why rocks falling due to gravity don't make gravity decline. Other readers explain potential and kinetic energy and how it differs from gravity

Greta Thunberg's gold mining doppelgänger found in 1898 photo

4 December 2019

Greta Thunberg’s an uncanny doppelganger from the past, and more weird news in Feedback’s weekly roundup of strange stories

New Scientist puzzle #33: The mountain pass

4 December 2019

In this week’s puzzle, work out when two hikers started walking. Plus, a quick quiz

See the northern lights or aurora borealis: Follow this easy guide

4 December 2019

Winter is the best time to see the amazing phenomenon of the polar lights, when solar particles stream into Earth's atmosphere

Altruism 2.0: How to use science to make charitable acts go further

4 December 2019

Effective altruists use evidence and reason to maximise the impact of their kindness. Joshua Howgego follows their lead to see if it can help him do good better

We constantly eat microplastics. What does that mean for our health?

4 December 2019

Tiny particles of plastic are in our food, water and even the air we breathe. We investigate the impact they have inside our bodies

For the record – 7 December 2019

4 December 2019