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New Scientist covers the latest developments in science and technology that will impact your world. New Scientist employs and commissions the best writers in their fields from all over the world. Our editorial team provide cutting-edge news, award-winning features and reports, written in concise and clear language that puts discoveries and advances in the context of everyday life today and in the future.

The shape of things to come • Weight-loss drugs are set to get even bigger in 2026

New Scientist

THE YEAR AHEAD • From space missions to medical breakthroughs, welcome to New Scientist’s round-up of what’s to come over the next 12 months

Weight-loss drugs should get cheaper… • Medications like Wegovy are out of reach for most people, but that could soon change

…and further trials might make them even better

NASA aims to return astronauts to moon • The oft-delayed Artemis II mission will soon have lift-off

EU carbon border tax will force others to cut emissions

Russia-US nuclear pact set to end • The expiry of a key treaty means there will be no cap on US and Russian nuclear weapons

Satellites to provide sunshine on demand

We’ll learn more about LSD and anxiety • Studies this year could lead to the drug being used as a mental health treatment

World’s first subsea desalination facility will provide drinking water

US plans nuclear power renaissance • An ambitious government programme aims to fast-track the testing of advanced reactors

Space missions set out to uncover the secrets of the solar system

Good heavens! • Stargazing has many mental health benefits, says Michael Brooks, who is determined to get to grips with the constellations this year

Future Chronicles • Super size me We journey to the near-future with Rowan Hooper to discover that by the 2030s, botanists had worked out how to grow hybridised superplants to help feed the world

Fire and water

It’s 2026 – time to turn the page • Clear out your shelves: a bumper crop of new books on slowing ageing, climate hope, space exploration and more is ready to fill them, finds Alison Flood

THE BEST OF THE BEST: FOUR TOP PICKS FOR 2026

Get set for sci-fi gold • On the horizon are Ann Leckie’s latest, Neil Jordan’s debut and more from Adrian Tchaikovsky. Exciting times, says our sci-fi columnist Emily H. Wilson

Editor’s pick

And breathe… • The best thing you can do for your health this year is learn to put your body into safe mode. Caroline Williams is your guide

Breathing your way to deep rest

Mindful practices like qigong can help you enter a state of deep rest

The mystery of the missing meteorite • A soldier returned from the Sahara desert in 1916 with a wild story about a gigantic meteorite. Over 100 years of hunting yielded nothing – but now the puzzle may have been solved, finds Alex Wilkins

An unearthly treasure map

What did Gaston Ripert see?

A deeper connection • Kama muta is the emotion you never knew you had. David Robson reveals how to get more of its benefits in your life

Oh, what a feeling!

Keeping in touch • If you’re worried about your seedlings getting long and leggy, try a bit of home thigmomorphogenesis, advises James Wong

Puzzles

Almost the last word

Tom Gauld for New Scientist

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