Ian Randall
Deputy Science Editor
Ian Randall is Newsweek's Deputy Science Editor, based in Royston, U.K. His focus is reporting on science and health. He has covered archeology, geology, and physics extensively. Ian joined Newsweek in 2023 from the Daily Express U.S. and had previously worked at Express.co.uk and MailOnline, alongside freelancing for various specialist science publications including Science, Physics World and Chemistry World. He is a graduate of the University of Oxford and City, University of London. You can get in touch with Ian by emailing i.randall@newsweek.com. Languages: English.
"Fearsome" new leopard-sized predator from 30 million years ago revealed
The find, said Shorouq Al-Ashqar, is "a dream for any vertebrate paleontologist."
Shark repellent may make beaches safe as US revealed as attack hotspot
Half of the unprovoked shark attacks in the U.S. last year took place along the Florida coastline, new data shows.
Parents warned over "quad-demic" of COVID, flu, norovirus and RSV
The U.S. has seen earlier and more intense surges of the flu and RSV this year than is typical, pediatrician Dr. Ryan Fulton notes.
Aurora: How to see northern lights this weekend
As the Earth is buffeted by a stream escaping from a hole in the sun, those in the northernmost states may be in for a treat.
"Dessert stomach" is real and it lives in your brain
Understanding why we always have room for dessert could lead to new treatments for obesity, researchers have revealed.
Premature death risk's surprising early warning sign revealed
Researchers found an association between early death and the loss of one particular category of senses.
California map reveals where state is sinking
NASA scientists used satellite measurements to map out local subsidence and uplift across the Golden State, which plays into local sea level changes.
Bus-sized asteroid approaching Earth today, NASA reports
The space rock is heading in our direction at some 18,700 miles per hour, according to the space agency's data.
What is quipu? Scientists discover superstructure larger than the Milky Way
Quipu has the same mass as a staggering 200,000,000,000,000,000 copies of the sun, researchers say.
Influenza B: Symptoms to watch for explained
The winter flu season features two types of influenza. Here's what you need to know about them and how they differ.
Scientists discover incredible "Einstein Ring" in our cosmic backyard
"They're so rare, and they're incredibly useful scientifically," said Conor O'Riordan of the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics.
Earliest bird discovery may settle long-running mystery
"Few birds are as likely to start as many arguments among paleontologists as 'vegavis,'" said professor Christopher Torres.
Better Planet
Lake Mead: Colorado snowpack adds to water woes
Latest estimates place the Upper Colorado River Basin snowpack at just 83 percent of the historic median for this time of year.
Falling space junk threatens flights
Researchers calculated both the odds of falling rocket debris disrupting air travel, but also colliding with an aircraft mid-flight.
Cat owners warned of bird flu risk: "Vigilance is key"
Pet owners must take "proper precautions to reduce the risk of spread," said Dr. Susan Nelson, a veterinarian and professor.
Archaeologists reveal secrets of royal shipwreck sunk in explosion
"We've found things on this site that have no precedent," revealed Brendan Foley.
Scientists discover way to reverse cancer
"We have discovered a molecular switch that can revert the fate of cancer cells," said biologist Kwang-Hyun Cho.
Map reveals cyberattack risk for all 50 states
"We're putting real, holistic numbers around the risk level posed by cybercriminals to critical infrastructure," said cybersecurity expert Charles Harry.
Texas University to host four nuclear reactors: "US needs more power"
"Nowhere in the country, other than Texas, is anyone willing to step up and build the power plants we need," said Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp.
Snow Moon 2025: How to see February 2025's full moon
The second full moon of the year—arriving on February 12—takes its name from the dusting of snowfall common at this time of year.
Better Planet
Alarming rise in microplastics levels in our brains
"I have yet to encounter a single human being who says, 'There's a bunch of plastic in my brain and I'm totally cool with that'," said one researcher.
Mystery as baby shark born with no male involvement
"It really proves that life... uh... finds a way," said Shreveport Aquarium, Louisina's curator of live animals, Greg Barrick.
Chicago bird flu outbreak leaves hundreds of ducks "sick or dead"
The infected birds "present with tremors and little ability to move," said a local conservation group tracking the outbreak.
Dinosaurs: Groundbreaking revelation settles 30-year-old debate
Researchers discovered a protein in a 68- to 66-million-year-old fossil that many scientists would have argued should have long been destroyed.
Alzheimer's: 'Revolutionary' discovery may pave way to prevention
The finding may open a whole new world in the study of Alzheimer's disease, said biophysicist Aneta Stefanovska.
Severe headaches linked to increased suicide risk
"Patients diagnosed with headache may benefit from concurrent behavioral health evaluation and treatment," researchers said.
Atmospheric river bringing California back-to-back storms
While the wet weather may bring an end to a devastating run of wildfires in the state, it could also cause flooding and other hazards.
NASA tracking three vehicle-sized asteroids nearing Earth today
The closest of the asteroids to us—estimated to be about the size of a car—is whizzing through space at 27,358 miles per hour.
Gen Z kids just want 'to be safe' above all else
America's youth are not focused on fame and fortune, as stereotyped, but on personal safety and kindness, a study revealed.
Better Planet
Microplastics may increase preterm birth risk, scientists warn
Researchers found 12 different types of plastic in placentae—with significantly higher levels in those from preterm births.
