Â鶹´«Ã½

Culture

Explore the latest science non-fiction books and sci-fi novels, plus science and technology-related theatre, exhibitions, games, movies and TV programmes with reviews and recommendations from Â鶹´«Ã½.

Physics

Speculative novel layers Groundhog Day with existential dreaminess

Solvej Balle's newly translated speculative novel, On the Calculation of Volume (parts I and II), examines the numbing effects of time through the old trope of being stuck in a single day. It is an effective meditation

Culture
Complete terracotta prismoid, in octagonal form, eight columns of inscription, historical inscription of Tiglathpileser I, describing his campaigns and buildings. ? The Trustees of the British Museum

Humans

Gripping story reveals race to crack world’s oldest script, cuneiform

Culture
The new AILIS machine tests for breast cancer detection during a clinical trial in Krakow, Poland, on December 30, 2024. AILIS is an innovative approach to breast cancer detection, developed by Michal Matuszewski. It uses Parametric Dynamic Imaging (PDI) and artificial intelligence to distinguish areas of increased activity from normal tissue, enabling the identification of cancerous lesions. Clinical trials currently take place in collaboration with the National Oncology Institute in Krakow. Upon successful results, the technology is expected to enter the Polish market first, followed by expansion into Europe. Poland has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the EU, with early-stage detection standing at only 41%. (Photo by Klaudia Radecka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Health

A political take on cancer provides a tough but much-needed analysis

Culture
EWEH8P The Martian is an upcoming science-fiction film directed by Ridley Scott. This photograph is for editorial use only and is the copyright of the film company and/or the photographer assigned by the film or production company and can only be reproduced by publications in conjunction with the promotion of the above Film. A Mandatory Credit to the film company is required. The Photographer should also be credited when known.

Space

Â鶹´«Ã½ recommends The Martian – sci-fi fun for all the family

Culture
Ringworld

Comment

Rereading the best sci-fi writers of all time: Larry Niven

Culture
C8D-TRL2-003 Film Name: MICKEY 17 Copyright: ? 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Caption: ROBERT PATTINSON as Mickey 17 in ?MICKEY 17,? a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (PRESS KIT)

Comment

Robert Pattinson shines in clunky sci-fi adaptation Mickey 17

Culture

Humans

Our drive for adventure and challenge has ancient origins

Culture
YARUMAL, - AUGUST 18 - Alirio sits in his living room with his son Alexis, 6, snuggles in and his wife Marta. Alirio, 42, is a coffee farmer who is also a participant in the University of Antioquia study who lives near Yarumal. The study, lead by Dr. Francisco Lopera, a behavioural neurologist at Medellin's University of Antioquia, researches a local family tree with a genetic mutation that causes early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The Colombian family's genetic curse may be the world's best hope for an Alzheimer's cure. In that family tree researchers have the perfect group to study the disease and have now begin a clinical trial to see if they have a medication that might be able to delay onset. in Medellin. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Health

A moving story reveals hidden human cost of drug trials

Culture

Comment

The best new science fiction books of April 2025

Culture
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera) Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of Team United States crosses the finish line to win the gold medal with new World Record after competing in the Women's 400m Hurdles Final on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Humans

A controversial book about human diversity shows how biology unites us

From race and IQ to sex and gender, Herman Pontzer's new book Adaptable is an ambitious and enjoyable exploration of how understanding ourselves better can help us bridge divides

Culture

Environment

Mike Berners-Lee’s solution for the polycrisis may be just too hard

Culture

Technology

Â鶹´«Ã½ recommends DeepMind documentary The Thinking Game

Culture

Life

Stunning new animated series tells the story of a cure-all mushroom

Culture

Environment

Â鶹´«Ã½ recommends Weather Girl, an electrifying one-woman show

Culture