Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this week.
This issue of New Scientist knits together neurology, climate urgency and cosmic exploration to show how science is rewriting what we thought we knew. The cover feature “Rethinking Parkinson’s” argues the world’s fastest-growing neurological disorder may actually be two distinct diseases, each driven by separate cellular cascades. That insight reframes drug trials and could unlock tailored therapies for more than 10 million people worldwide—a population set to double by 2040.A five-part Polar Crisis special report delivers a sobering climate audit. Sea-ice extent in February hit its lowest point since satellite records began, dipping nearly 2 million square kilometres below the 1991–2020 average; models now link that loss to faltering global ocean currents. An economic deep dive warns that Arctic fossil deposits worth an estimated $90 billion face escalating cost overruns as thawing permafrost destabilises rigs and pipelines.In space news, “Strongest Evidence Yet of Alien Life” highlights James Webb Telescope data revealing dimethyl sulfide and phosphine—molecules produced almost exclusively by biology—around a Neptune-sized exoplanet. Researchers stress caution, noting a one-in-four chance of abiotic origins, but if confirmed it would mark the first remote biosignature ever detected.The philosophical essay “Solid, Liquid, Gas… Life?” proposes treating biology as a nonequilibrium phase of matter rather than a checklist of traits, a shift that could unify origins-of-life research with synthetic-cell engineering.Finally, the leader editorial “The Cold, Hard Truth” contends that chasing Arctic riches is a fool’s errand; spiralling insurance premiums and fragile logistics make a mockery of “new frontier” narratives. By spotlighting economic futility, it frames the climate section in moral as well as scientific terms. Together, these pieces paint a picture of science that is simultaneously humbling and empowering—forcing humanity to rethink its assumptions from the neuron to the North Pole.
Major studios are cutting high-dynamic-range color grading to save money as streaming ad revenue falls 31 percent and bandwidth fees climb. Critics warn of a duller “gray-wash” viewing future; studios say most mobile viewers hardly notice.
China’s commerce ministry threatened “reciprocal countermeasures” if other nations strike trade agreements with Washington that Beijing deems harmful. The warning comes as governments weigh concessions to avoid President Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
Cluely, branding itself as an AI-based “cheat on everything” service, debuted with a viral video demonstrating how users can lie to dates or pass interviews by receiving covert on-screen prompts. The founder raised millions in funding, claiming this is just another form of everyday tech assistance. Alarmed observers worry the app encourages deception, further blurring lines between skill, authenticity, and AI-driven manipulation.
A landmark federal research program focused on older women’s health is losing most of its support, putting decades of critical data at risk. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)—the largest study on women’s health—faces looming shutdowns after federal agencies pulled funding for four of its regional centers. While one core facility remains open until 2026, officials are already notifying thousands of participants that their roles are ending. Experts warn that cutting this program will widen gaps in women’s medical research.
Neurologist and “sleep whisperer” Chris Winter blends clinic stories, athlete case studies, and decades of research to argue that sleep is a dynamic biological drive—every bit as essential as food or water—and that most of us can fix it without prescription meds. Part I (Ch. 1–7) demystifies sleep’s purpose, contrasting genuine sleepiness with mere fatigue and explaining how adenosine, melatonin, and circadian clocks interact. A standout data point: a 2013 JAMA Neurology report linking fragmented sleep to higher amyloid-beta accumulation, hinting at Alzheimer’s risk. Part II (Ch. 8) delivers a brutally honest sleep-hygiene overhaul—temperature, light, caffeine timing—backed by findings that moving workouts to daylight hours shortens sleep-onset by 37 minutes on average. Parts III & IV tackle insomnia in two tiers (“hard insomnia” involves entrenched anxiety) and dissect common aids from antihistamines to CPAP, urging readers to treat root causes instead of symptoms. The final section surveys snoring, apnea, restless legs, and even narcolepsy, giving readers a playbook for when to seek a formal sleep study. The tone is witty yet science-dense; Winter’s bottom line: you probably sleep more than you think, but you can sleep far better—with daytime energy gains to prove it.
Small towns worldwide, from rural Nebraska to remote Italian villages, are offering nearly free houses to attract fresh residents and revive local economies. Pawnee City, NE, for instance, provides $50,000 to prospective homeowners, hoping to populate schools and businesses. In Italy, one-euro houses lure adventurous buyers—though these properties typically need substantial renovations. The pitch appeals to those seeking a slower pace or a creative project, but pitfalls exist: labor scarcities, structural overhauls, and strict renovation deadlines. Still, success stories abound: couples who transform derelict homes into charming B&Bs or remote workers relishing scenic serenity.
The influencer ecosystem has ballooned into a multibillion-dollar industry, with personalities across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube turning personal brands into lucrative businesses. Corporate advertisers see these creators as more authentic spokespeople than glossy ad campaigns. Mega-stars can command six- or seven-figure sponsorships, but thousands of micro-influencers also thrive by reaching niche, loyal audiences. While some creators simply pitch products, others expand into merchandise, subscription communities, or e-commerce lines. Yet success can invite burnout and spark debates about authenticity, especially as regulators tighten rules around sponsored content. Balancing personal passion and brand partnerships is key to maintaining trust.
The IRS is conducting fewer audits than ever before, with rates falling to a record low of 0.36% in 2023. This decline is attributed to significant workforce cuts, reducing the agency's capacity to conduct thorough audits. The IRS has collected only $4.5 billion from 2019 personal audits, a sharp decrease from previous years. Further cuts are planned, potentially exacerbating the issue and leading to billions in lost tax revenue.
New research reveals that boosting physical activity between ages 45 and 65 can significantly reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk in older adulthood. A large-scale, multi-country study followed thousands of participants over 20 years, finding that those who regularly exercised—whether brisk walking, cycling, or gardening—had notably lower rates of cognitive decline. Even people who became active later in midlife saw benefits, suggesting it’s never too late to start. Scientists believe increased blood flow to the brain and protective growth factors may slow the buildup of harmful proteins linked to dementia. While family history and genetics remain factors, experts estimate that lifestyle measures could help prevent or delay one-third of Alzheimer’s cases. Health officials see these findings as a catalyst to promote exercise among middle-aged adults, who often feel pressed for time.
The US has imposed a 104% tariff on Chinese goods, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. This move follows a series of retaliatory measures from both sides, with neither showing interest in negotiating a resolution. The tariffs are part of President Trump's strategy to pressure China into more favorable trade terms. However, the increased duties could have significant economic repercussions, affecting global supply chains and consumer prices.
With the US Department of Justice having won its antitrust case against Google’s search dominance, a second trial now focuses on remedies—potentially forcing Google to sell Chrome or restrict major device deals. But the legal fight coincides with a paradigm shift: AI chatbots are rapidly emerging as alternative go-tos for online queries. Google’s lawyers argue this underscores healthy competition. Federal prosecutors see it differently, claiming Google can still leverage exclusive pacts to dominate AI-based search too. The question: Is Google’s existing market power so entrenched that new challengers, like ChatGPT or Perplexity, can’t truly uproot it? The outcome will shape how search evolves and whether browser or device deals remain permissible.
