# Best New Popular Science Books of May 2026
New Scientist has curated a selection of popular science books released this month that span walking mechanics, global search behavior, and genetic science.
The collection includes a guide examining the biomechanics and cultural history of human walking. Another title analyzes patterns in Google's search data to reveal what people worldwide are curious about, offering insights into collective human interest and behavior across regions and demographics.
A third featured work explores DNA science, promising readers an accessible explanation of how genetic information shapes biology and human traits.
These releases reflect publishing trends toward making scientific concepts available to general audiences. Walking guides represent a growing category blending exercise, physiology, and philosophy. Search data analysis books capitalize on the unprecedented access to information about human interests that major tech platforms provide. Genetics books continue to attract readers seeking to understand personal ancestry, health implications, and the scientific foundations of heredity.
The selection demonstrates that popular science publishing remains diverse, covering everything from the everyday (how we move) to the digital (what we search) to the molecular (what makes us us). Each book translates specialized research and data into narrative forms that engage readers without requiring scientific training.
New Scientist regularly highlights books that bridge expert knowledge and public understanding, helping readers develop scientific literacy across multiple disciplines.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Popular science publishing in May 2026 covers accessible explorations of human movement, digital behavior patterns, and genetic science for general audiences.