Visible aurora spotted for the first time on Mars by NASA rover

12 September 2024

If you were standing on Mars as it was hit by a solar flare, you might be able to see an aurora just like on Earth

Electric vehicles race combustion cars in 'battle of technologies'

12 September 2024

‘Battle of Technologies’ sees electric vehicles and combustion cars compete at the highest level. Who will win?

One dose of a smallpox vaccine still gives good protection for mpox

11 September 2024

A single dose of a smallpox vaccine seems to lower the risk of catching mpox by around 60 per cent, and two doses would probably be even better

The science of the Amazon expedition cruise: Brazil

11 September 2024

19 August 2025 – 9 days for £4,999 per person in a lower deck cabin, or £5,199 per person in an upper deck cabin.

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Join this exceptional journey exploring Brazil’s most celebrated ecological region, the Amazon. Discover untouched native forest, which is the habitat of exotic birds such as parrots and toucans, howler monkeys, three toed sloths, frogs, snakes, peccaries, various species of caiman and pink river dolphins. 

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most significant and unique ecosystems on the planet. About 60% of this mighty rainforest is located in Brazil. It is home to around 10% of the world's known biodiversity. 

Begin in the charming city of Manaus, with time to explore this bustling city. From here, board the small and comfortable MV Desafio, chartered exclusively for this venture. Travel up the Rio Negro, the least inhabited river in the Amazon river basin. Throughout the cruise, you will explore the region on daily excursions by small boat and on foot, looking for a variety of species which may include pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, macaws and butterflies.

You will be accompanied throughout by New Scientist staff writer, Graham Lawton. He mostly writes features about life sciences, health, biodiversity and the environment as well as No Planet B, a monthly column on environmental issues. In addition to Graham, whilst onboard, you will be joined by a local highly skilled guide. Every evening, enjoy informal talks from the onboard team covering a variety of topics including:

• The flora and fauna that we have observed during the day 
• The ways that plants and animals have evolved in the rainforest
• The relations between the plants, animals and their physical environment
• The ecology of the Amazon rainforest

Your home as your sail the waters of the Amazon will be aboard the MV Desafio, a 34 metre schooner. This elegant three-­masted wooden vessel has recently been renovated and has 10 cabins available which are located on the lower and upper decks. This yacht has been carefully selected to allow a maximum of 20 guests, offering a truly intimate experience.  

In partnership with Latin Routes.

The mathematics behind pouring a glass of wine

11 September 2024

Katie Steckles enlists the help of fluid dynamics researcher Kat Phillips to explain the versatile piece of maths behind dispensing wine from a box

New Scientist recommends new superhero drama Supacell

11 September 2024

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

Caffeine: great for us, not so good for farms

11 September 2024

These financial trades are bad enough already

11 September 2024

An engineer's vote for the cynical approach

11 September 2024

A simple solution to food's climate impact

11 September 2024