March invites a departure from the chilly winds and intermittent rain of the northern hemisphere. Instead of braving the elements, consider immersing yourself in the captivating world of science literature available to you. This month’s selections offer a diverse range of topics, from the profound influence of animals on our past to the subtle art of detecting deception through language. You can also gain insights into the communication networks of forest trees and the role of flowers as agents of change in the natural world. For those seeking more rigorous exploration, challenging subjects like the U.S. military’s use of artificial intelligence and a thorough examination of societal transformations are also presented. Regardless of your interest, these books promise to expand your knowledge and perspective.
Herlands by Megha Mohan
Megha Mohan’s book, “Herlands,” poses a thought-provoking question: what would the world look like if societal leadership and decision-making rested with women? In a world still predominantly structured by male influence, this inquiry holds significant weight. The author, drawing inspiration from her great-grandmother’s matrilineal community in South India, embarked on a global exploration to identify “lessons from societies where women make the rules.” Such communities are not a new phenomenon; contemporary instances include the unique phenomenon of online feminist trolls in South Korea, co-housing initiatives in Paris and North London, and the historical “Rain Queens” of South Africa. Mohan, who became the BBC’s first global gender and identity correspondent in 2018, delves into the potential implications for collaboration, work, child-rearing, and, critically, the structures of power and identity within such a framework.
How to Talk to AI (And How Not To) by Jamie Bartlett
Are you maximizing the potential of artificial intelligence? Given the increasing presence of AI in our lives, understanding its capabilities is becoming essential. Based on Jamie Bartlett’s previous work, particularly “The Dark Net,” his book “How to Talk to AI” is expected to offer a detailed examination of AI’s cognitive processes and effective interaction methods, including how to leverage its advanced functionalities. Readers can anticipate learning how individuals are enhancing their professional and personal lives through AI, while others may find themselves entangled in conspiracy theories or experiencing psychological distress.
The best new popular science books of 2026
Culture editor Alison Flood highlights a significant collection of new popular science books from authors such as Naomi Klein, Rebecca Solnit, and Xand Van Tulleken, suggesting readers prepare to make space on their shelves.
When the Forest Breathes by Suzanne Simard
Suzanne Simard, a professor of forest ecology at the University of British Columbia, is credited with fundamentally altering our comprehension of the intricate intelligence and interconnectedness within forests. As the best-selling author of “Finding the Mother Tree,” she leads The Mother Tree Project and possesses a distinguished international reputation for her research on tree communication, connectivity, and their influence on forest health and biodiversity. Her latest publication, “When the Forest Breathes,” explores the cyclical renewal processes fundamental to forest ecosystems and their potential application in safeguarding the global environment. Simard’s upbringing within a family of loggers in British Columbia, dedicated to sustainable practices, has shaped her focused career. This deeply ingrained commitment often translates into compelling narratives.
Animate by Michael Bond
Michael Bond, a former staff member at New Scientist and an author of numerous books, investigates the intricate ways individuals influence one another—covering topics like peer pressure, fandom, and belonging—as well as external factors, such as navigation and his own family’s role in settling the Canadian prairies. In his current work, Bond shifts focus to explore how animals have shaped human minds and cultures. His analysis spans from prehistoric hunter-gatherers, whose brains were influenced by the prey they pursued and the predators they feared, to Enlightenment thinkers who used animal analogies to assert human superiority. The book questions human identity and our place in the world, especially if many characteristics once considered uniquely human are shared with other species, and probes the emerging societal order. This promises to be an engaging read.
The Language of Lies by Kirsty King
Can you reliably distinguish truth from falsehood, or identify a deceiver? In an era marked by pervasive misinformation and deepfake technology, discerning trustworthy sources has become increasingly challenging. Forensic psychologist Kirsty King introduces a novel approach to navigate the complex landscape of human deception, encompassing both the everyday lies individuals tell to maintain social harmony and larger, more damaging falsehoods. This guidance is particularly valuable given the limitations of traditional methods, such as analyzing physiological responses like micro-expressions. King’s work investigates whether the language patterns employed by liars can serve as indicators of their deceit. Drawing on extensive research in forensic linguistics and psychology, she presents real-world case studies and narratives to illuminate these “tells.” The anticipated outcome is a thoroughly fascinating exploration.
How Flowers Made Our World by David George Haskell
“Without flowers, human beings would not exist.” This bold assertion by environmental scientist David George Haskell is explored in his book, “How Flowers Made Our World,” subtitled “The story of nature’s revolutionaries.” Haskell examines a broad spectrum of flora, from less commonly recognized species like seagrasses and tea plants, highlighting what has often been overlooked. He positions plants as active agents of creation, capable of establishing and sustaining diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, savannas, prairies, and coastal environments. Looking toward the future, Haskell suggests that flowers offer essential lessons in resilience and innovation amidst rapid environmental change, a perspective ripe for appreciation.
The Beginning Comes After the End by Rebecca Solnit
While the futuristic visions of science fiction may not have materialized, anyone emerging from decades of isolation would still find the 21st-century political landscape strikingly different. Rebecca Solnit has consistently been at the forefront of contemporary thought in this area, earning numerous accolades and award nominations. Her latest work, “The Beginning Comes After the End,” is described by her publisher as a synthesis of years of activism, offering a distinctive perspective on politics and humanity. The book aims to provide hope during challenging times and to underscore the accessible power individuals possess to effect societal change.
The best new popular science books of February 2026
February presents readers with an abundance of popular science literature, featuring new releases from prominent authors such as Maggie Aderin and Michael Pollan.
On the Origin of Sex by Lixing Sun
A book dedicated to the science of sex introduces an intriguing exploration into the natural world, promising to uncover “the weird and wonderful science of how our planet is populated.” This title is identified as one of New Scientist’s significant books to watch in 2026. Its author, Lixing Sun, a biology professor at Central Washington University, shares fascinating discoveries, including the reproductive biology of the female mole, described as a “true rebel of the animal kingdom” possessing both ovaries and testes, and the phenomenon of parthenogenesis in California condors, also known as immaculate conception.
Project Maven by Katrina Manson
Katrina Manson’s “Project Maven” arrives at a particularly relevant moment, offering an examination of the conflicts frequently depicted in nightly news coverage, exemplified by events like the ongoing Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Manson recounts the development of Project Maven, an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2017. This project aimed to utilize artificial intelligence for military targeting purposes. As a Bloomberg reporter specializing in national security and advanced technology, Manson is well-positioned to provide an authoritative account. The subject matter is both compelling and significant, though it may prove disturbing for some readers.
Inescapable by F. Marina Schauffler
The acronym PFAS, representing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, has become increasingly familiar, denoting the substantial global environmental impact of these “forever chemicals.” These persistent and difficult-to-remove chemicals have permeated both the environment and everyday life, resulting in their presence in the blood of most individuals worldwide. Journalist Marina Schauffler focuses her investigation on Maine, a northeastern state in the U.S., renowned for its agricultural lands, forests, and waterways. She compiles narratives from farmers, firefighters, tribal members, researchers, homeowners, and public officials who are experiencing the effects of PFAS contamination or actively contending with it in a region that is also a center for PFAS testing and regulation. While these accounts originate from the U.S., the issues they raise have universal relevance and could easily be encountered in many other locations.