New Scientist, Vol. 249, No. 3318: 23 January 2021

New Scientist: 23 January 2021 – The Evolving Virus and Beyond 🔬

The 23 January 2021 issue of New Scientist arrives at a pivotal moment in the pandemic. With new coronavirus variants emerging, the magazine’s cover story, “The evolving virus,” breaks down what we know about these mutations, what they mean for vaccine roll-outs, and how the virus might eventually become just another cold. It’s a clear-eyed look at a rapidly changing situation.

From Gravitational Waves to Genetic Exclusion 🌌

But this issue ranges far beyond COVID-19. In “The humming universe,” scientists ask whether gravitational waves permeate all of space-time—a question that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos. “Beyond lithium” explores the promise of batteries made from common salt, offering a potential solution to the scarcity of lithium. And “Genetic exclusion” tackles a critical problem in medicine: the overwhelming focus on white European genomes in research, which leaves many populations out of the medical revolution.

Also in This Issue

• Parental burnout: Why it’s time to take it seriously, and what can be done.
• Superhuman sight: A lens that makes UV light visible, extending human vision.
• Quantum internet: Entangled particles beamed between drones.
• Massive dinosaur: Fossils found in Argentina may belong to the largest land animal ever.
• Science of cooking: How to get the best out of beans.
• Aperture: A Cuvier’s gazelle and its calf.
• Culture: A look back at film-maker Mike deGruy.
• Puzzles and feedback: Crossword, quick quiz, logic puzzle, and reader responses.

Why This Issue Matters

New Scientist has long been a trusted source for accessible, in-depth science journalism. This issue captures a week when the pandemic’s trajectory was shifting, while also showcasing the breadth of scientific discovery—from the microscopic to the cosmic. Whether you’re interested in the latest vaccine news, the future of energy storage, or the ethics of genetic research, this issue offers something substantial.

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