What to read this week: Katrina Manson's terrifying Project Maven 18. March 2026 (19:00) It is scarily fascinating to read about the US military's journey into AI warfare in this deeply-researched book. But what happens next, asks Matthew Sparkes(New Scientist)
The success of machine mathematicians shows us how to be OK with AI 18. March 2026 (19:00) Many people who try using AI are disappointed with the results and feel they can’t trust a machine – but are there lessons we can learn from how AI is taking on mathematics?(New Scientist)
Will war in the Middle East accelerate the clean energy transition? 18. March 2026 (17:28) Disruption to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has led to a spike in oil and natural gas prices, which could spur countries to boost the rollout of renewable energy and electric vehicles(New Scientist)
The mystery of how volcanic lightning happens has been solved 18. March 2026 (17:00) When particles in volcanic ash cloud rub together, some pick up positive charge and others negative – now physicists have finally elucidated how these different charges are determined(New Scientist)
The neuroscientist who wants us to be nicer to psychopaths 18. March 2026 (17:00) Abigail Marsh has found that many psychopaths don’t want to be cruel and uncaring, and argues that they deserve support to help them get there(New Scientist)
Psychedelics may be no better than antidepressants for depression 18. March 2026 (16:00) Drugs like psilocybin that induce psychedelic effects have shown promise for treating depression. Now, a review of the evidence suggests that they are effective, but no more so than traditional antidepressants(New Scientist)
Google rerouted hundreds of flights to cut climate-warming contrails 18. March 2026 (15:41) A weather-forecasting AI was used to recommend routes for American Airlines flights between the US and Europe to reduce the formation of contrails, which contribute to global warming(New Scientist)
Google rerouted over 100 flights to cut climate-warming contrails 18. March 2026 (15:41) A weather-forecasting AI was used to recommend routes for American Airlines flights between the US and Europe to reduce the formation of contrails, which contribute to global warming(New Scientist)
