Tobacco plant altered to produce five psychedelic drugs 01. April 2026 (21:00) Genetically engineering tobacco plants could enable a more sustainable production method for psychedelic drugs, which are increasingly in demand for research and medical uses(New Scientist)
What to read this week: Lixing Sun's ambitious On the Origin of Sex 01. April 2026 (20:00) Ducks with corkscrew penises, fish changing sex – what do we really know about sex and reproduction on Earth? Less than we think, reveals a mind-boggling new book. Elle Hunt explores(New Scientist)
The first quantum computer to break encryption is now shockingly close 01. April 2026 (18:32) Traditional encryption methods have long been vulnerable to quantum computers, but two new analyses suggest a capable enough machine may be built much sooner than previously thought(New Scientist)
Oceans are darkening all over the planet – what’s going on? 01. April 2026 (18:00) In a shift that is reshaping entire ecosystems, the open oceans are letting less light in. We don't fully understand the consequences yet, but there is still hope, says oceanographer Tim Smyth(New Scientist)
Male octopuses have a favourite arm that they mostly use for sex 01. April 2026 (17:00) The third right arm of male octopuses has a specialised role in mating, and the creatures take extra care to avoid damaging it or losing it to a predator(New Scientist)
The best new popular science books of April 2026 01. April 2026 (16:00) April has a lot to offer when it comes to popular science reading, promising to help us do everything from future-proof our brains courtesy of Hannah Critchlow, to get to grips with really big numbers, thanks to Richard Elwes(New Scientist)
Plug-in solar is coming – how dangerous is it and is it worth it? 01. April 2026 (14:00) Plug-in solar panels are a cheaper, simpler alternative to professionally installed panels. But can they really reduce energy bills and are they safe? Matthew Sparkes investigates(New Scientist)
