The best new science fiction books of May 2026 30. April 2026 (14:00) New science fiction from big names including Ann Leckie, Alan Moore and Martha Wells are just some of the exciting crop of titles out this month(New Scientist)
The rich but complicated legacy of genome pioneer Craig Venter 30. April 2026 (13:54) Craig Venter has died aged 79. He was at the forefront of sequencing the human genome and of synthetic biology, but divided opinion in how he went about it(New Scientist)
We have figured out a new way to send messages into the past 30. April 2026 (12:00) A technique inspired by the film Interstellar suggests a new way of communicating backwards in time, but it could help improve conventional communication systems as well(New Scientist)
Our verdict on Red Mars: Mostly great, with a few quibbles 29. April 2026 (20:00) The New Scientist Book Club read Kim Stanley Robinson's acclaimed science fiction story about the first settlers on Mars in April – and had a lot to say about it(New Scientist)
Thought-provoking photographs capture what it feels like to have ADHD 29. April 2026 (20:00) These unusual images were created by visual artist Daniel Regan by submerging Polaroid photographs in his ADHD medication, to represent his experiences with the condition through art(New Scientist)
Is an AI version of Mark Zuckerberg – or any boss – a good plan? 29. April 2026 (20:00) Feedback has learned that, according to reports, Meta is building an AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to interact with staff. Feedback hopes this doesn't become a trend(New Scientist)
Ann Leckie continues to shine with new sci-fi novel Radiant Star 29. April 2026 (20:00) Set on a planet whose population lives underground, Radiant Star is Ann Leckie's latest Radch-universe novel. Its rich characterisation and meticulous world-building shine through, says our science-fiction columnist Emily H. Wilson(New Scientist)
What to read this week: The 21st Century Brain by Hannah Critchlow 29. April 2026 (20:00) Our brains need to adapt quickly to meet the challenges of our digital world, but a rigorous new book by a neuroscientist brings hope that we can do it, says Graham Lawton(New Scientist)
