BBC Science Focus

February 2026 |

IS FREE WILL AN ILLUSION? Neuroscientists are trying to crack a mystery that’s been plaguing philosophers for millennia. INSIDE THE WORLD’S SCARIEST AI COMPANY New questions are being raised about the mysterious and influential tech company, Palantir, and its impact on global affairs. DATA CENTRES IN SPACE A growing fleet of start-ups is aiming to launch data storage into orbit around Earth. FEMALE PSYCHOPATHS A growing body of research suggests that there may be more female psychopaths among us than previously thought. HOW CAN I BOOST MY IQ? Forget brain training puzzles. Physical exercise might be the real key to unlocking your brain’s full potential.