The best new popular science books of July 2026 02. July 2026 (17:00) From friendship in a world of chatbots to what it means to be alive, this month’s new popular science books are asking some big questions. Liz Else rounds up the ones she’s most looking forward to(New Scientist)
This thoughtful book will make you look at the wonders of trees anew 01. July 2026 (20:00) Aya Koda's Tree is an account of the late writer's visits to Japan's most famous, and ancient, trees. Featured in Wim Wenders's film Perfect Days, it is original and thought-provoking, says Rowan Hooper(New Scientist)
Do you want your underwear with added probiotics? 01. July 2026 (20:00) Feedback is informed of an exciting new development in underwear design from a brand that says it infuses its products with beneficial bacteria to nourish the skin microbiome(New Scientist)
Stunning photos reveal the intricate beauty of fungi 01. July 2026 (20:00) The vibrant colours and delicate details of New Zealand's fungi and slime moulds are documented in these images, taken from Jay Lichter's new book The Secret Life of Fungi(New Scientist)
The best new science-fiction novels published in July 2026 01. July 2026 (12:00) Sci-fi fans can enjoy a new Red Dwarf novel – the first for 30 years – this month, as well as sci-fi horror from Paul Tremblay and a journey to Planet Happy with Riley August(New Scientist)
Slowdown of AMOC ocean current may be gradual and reversible 01. July 2026 (11:27) Scientists worry that a surge of meltwater from Greenland could irreversibly collapse the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, but new modelling suggests the weakening of the current could be reversed if CO2 levels come back down(New Scientist)
