BBC Science Focus Magazine

With accessible features illustrated with the world’s best photography, BBC Focus Magazine explains the theory behind scientific phenomena and really brings science to life. In every issue you’ll find news of the latest major scientific developments, a lively Q&A section plus exclusive and astonishing photographic reports that range from the breathtaking to the downright odd.

FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE BBC THIS MONTH…

CONTRIBUTORS

Reach for the stars • EAGLE NEBULA

A mammoth discovery • STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Special delivery

FEEDBACK • YOUR OPINIONS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND OUR MAGAZINE

BBC Science Focus Magazine

DON'T JUST READ THIS MAGAZINE… LISTEN TO IT TOO • Discover the podcast from the team behind BBC Science Focus, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music

DISCOVERIES

THE MYSTERY OF STALLING BLACK HOLES MAY FINALLY BE SOLVED • A new study hints at what might be helping black holes cross the threshold to merging – a breakthrough that could shed fresh light on dark matter

BOLD NEW SPACE MISSION WILL INTERCEPT AN ASTEROID HEADING FOR EARTH • Ramses will be a rare opportunity to study an asteroid at very close quarters

WHAT POOPING FREQUENCY SAYS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH • Once or twice a day could be the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ of bowel movements, according to a new study

‘DARK OXYGEN’ HIDDEN ON OCEAN FLOOR COULD RESHAPE EVOLUTION • The discovery of mysterious oxygen sources in the depths of the Pacific Ocean questions our understanding of how life on Earth began

SECOND MYSTERIOUS FORCE KILLED POMPEII DISASTER SURVIVORS, STUDY FINDS • People fleeing the deadly volcano were doomed from the start

SOMETHING STRANGE IS HAPPENING TO EARTH'S CORE. SCIENTISTS MIGHT FINALLY KNOW WHY • A new study has offered up fresh clues about the weird things going on beneath our feet

HERE'S HOW NARCISSISTS’ PERSONALITIES CHANGE AS THEY AGE • New research links narcissistic tendencies in childhood with changes as they get older

SEWAGE IN THE UK'S WATERWAYS: THE FACTS • The seas and rivers around the UK are being used as dumping grounds for untreated sewage. But why is this happening and how bad is it?

HOW TO STAY SAFE

HIPPOS CAN RUN SO FAST THEY ‘FLY’ • Land, water and now air: how the amphibious mammal's moves baffled scientists

EUROPE REGAINS INDEPENDENT ACCESS TO SPACE WITH ESA'S NEW ARIANE 6 ROCKET • The first mission of ESA's new rocket suffered an “anomaly”, but was still declared a success

WHY BAD NEWS BEATS GOOD • You might long for some good news, but your brain relishes the headlines that say everything is going to Hell

ARE SIGNS OF SHARED FEELINGS IN FROGS EVIDENCE OF EMPATHY? • The sight of their mates suffering seems to set off a stress response in monogamous poison dart frogs

TOURISM IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD, ESPECIALLY IN PRISTINE PLACES LIKE THE ANTARCTIC • Tougher regulation of tourism is needed in the Antarctic, but should people be banished to protect the frozen continent?

Lion's mane mushrooms: a fungi with phenomenal health benefits or just a fad? A doctor explains • Lion's mane mushrooms are purported to improve everything from heart function to mental health. But what does the science say?

How night owls can thrive in a lark's world • For some of us, starting the day at the crack of dawn is difficult, if not impossible. But it doesn't have to be. There are ways to work with your chronotype to boost your get-up-and-go

THIS CREEPY ROBOT FACE IS MADE FROM LIVING HUMAN SKIN CELLS • Researchers hope to make robots look more lifelike by covering them with flesh… and eventually blood

THE BEST TOOLS AND GADGETS TO MAKE OUTDOOR COOKING...