The coming year promises a wealth of new science books, spanning from the grand scale of the cosmos to the intricacies of the human mind. After reviewing publisher catalogs and incoming titles, here’s a curated selection of the most exciting releases, categorized for easy discovery. Whether your interests lie in astrophysics, health, mathematics, or the impact of technology, 2026 offers something to captivate any science enthusiast.
Space Exploration and Cosmic Perspectives
The universe remains a central fascination, with several new books exploring its vastness and our place within it. Dagomar Degroot’s Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean examines the profound influence of the solar system on human history, from ancient interpretations of celestial events to modern planetary defense strategies. The book also calls for “interplanetary environmentalism,” a concept that highlights humanity’s growing impact on the cosmos.
Astrophysicist Emma Chapman’s Radio Universe takes readers on a journey through the Milky Way using radio waves, revealing hidden black holes and pulsars. Meanwhile, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein’s The Edge of Space-Time blends theoretical physics with poetry and cultural insights, offering a unique perspective on the quantum nature of reality.
Health and Human Performance
This year’s health-focused titles fall into two main categories: self-optimization and critical investigation. David Cox’s The Age Code delves into nutrition science, exploring how dietary choices can slow biological aging. Surgeon Charles Knowles’ Why We Drink Too Much offers a candid look at alcohol addiction, while Bill Gifford’s Hotwired argues that extreme temperatures can unlock physical and mental limits, based on our evolutionary history.
However, 2026 also sees a surge in investigative journalism exposing the darker side of the health industry. Xand van Tulleken’s Make MeWell promises to expose the wellness industry’s deceptive practices, while Deborah Cohen’s Bad Influence examines the rise of internet medicine – from Ozempic influencers to AI-powered diagnoses. Alev Scott’s Cash Cow critically examines the commodification of fertility, revealing how the “maternal body” has become a lucrative market.
Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics in 2026 explores both the theoretical and the practical. Richard Elwes’ Huge Numbers traces the evolution of counting and its impact on human thought, while Ian Stewart’s Reaching for the Extreme delves into the largest, smallest, and most paradoxical mathematical conundrums.
The intersection of AI and neuroscience is particularly compelling. Gaurav Suri and Jay McClelland’s The Emergent Mind explains how complex systems arise from simpler interactions, applying this concept to both the human brain and artificial intelligence. Complementing this is Tom Griffiths’ The Laws of Thought, which explores the mathematical foundations of thinking and how AI differs from human cognition.
Technology, Society, and Resistance
Several books examine the profound societal shifts driven by technology. James Muldoon’s Love Machines investigates how our relationships are changing due to interactions with AI, chatbots, and even attempts to “resurrect” the deceased. Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor’s End Times Fascism and the Fight for the Living World offers a critical analysis of the far-right’s resurgence, linking religious fundamentalism, Silicon Valley billionaires, and ethno-nationalism. The book also provides strategies for resistance.
Other notable releases include Katherine Dunn’s Little Blue Dot, which reveals the origins of GPS as a military system now integral to daily life, and Fred Mills’ Mega Builds, showcasing ten megaprojects set to transform the world.
Environment and Nature
The climate crisis continues to inspire both hope and urgency. Rebecca Solnit’s The Beginning Comes After the End offers a hopeful perspective, highlighting the revolutions in thinking around race, gender, sexuality, science, and the environment. Fred Pearce’s Despite It All provides a “handbook for climate hopefuls,” arguing that change is still possible.
Additional titles include Dave Goulson’s Eat the Planet Well, which addresses our toxic food system, and Jeevan Vasagar’s The Surge, which examines rising flood waters and potential engineering solutions. Louise K. Blight’s Where the Earth Meets the Sky explores the impact of climate change on Antarctica, while Ruth Searle’s The Intertidal Zone investigates the fragile ecosystems where land meets sea.
Psychology and Human Behavior
This year’s psychology books reveal surprising insights into the human mind. Daisy Fancourt’s Art Cure draws on neuroscience and psychology to demonstrate the health benefits of artistic expression. Hannah Critchlow’s The 21st Century Brain offers strategies for resilience, while Paul Goldsmith’s The Evolving Brain explores how our ancient minds struggle to adapt to the modern world.
Perhaps most provocatively, Leanne ten Brinke’s Poisonous People provides a guide to identifying psychopaths, narcissists, and manipulators. Other titles include Michael Pollan’s A World Appears, which explores the mystery of consciousness, and Melissa Maffeo’s Science of the Supernatural, which applies neuroscience to explain paranormal phenomena.
The best new science books of 2026 offer a vital blend of knowledge, analysis, and hope. Titles like A Brief History of the Universe by Sarah Alam Malik and The Savage Landscape by Cal Flyn stand out for their profound insights into our place in the cosmos and the importance of protecting wild spaces. With a growing urgency to understand our world, these books are essential reading for anyone seeking knowledge in the coming year.
