Boosting the blood-brain barrier could avert brain damage in athletes 18. March 2026 (19:00) The neurodegenerative condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy appears to be driven by damage to the blood-brain barrier due to repetitive head injuries, like those that occur in boxing. This suggests that drugs that strengthen this barrier could prevent or slow the condition(New Scientist)
It's time to monetise the moon! Definitely! Maybe? 18. March 2026 (19:00) Feedback discovers an accounting firm has unveiled its latest "lunar market assessment", which predicts huge profits to be had. Suit up, lunar entrepreneurs!(New Scientist)
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)
