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

The salvage crew at work • HESSEN, GERMANY

A river of toxic cloud • NEW DELHI, INDIA

Cannabis up close • WASHINGTON, USA

FEEDBACK • YOUR OPINIONS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE MAGAZINE

BBC Science Focus Magazine

DISCOVERIES

SPACE Major volcanic eruptions detected on Moon's far side • Volcanoes erupted here far more recently, and for longer, than we thought

THE MOON'S LATEST HOTSPOT: THE SOUTH POLE

Volcanic eruptions led to the reign of the dinosaurs • Long-term lava flows caused Earth to cool rapidly, eradicating the dinosaurs’ rival species

Simple balance test could reveal your biological age • Standing on one leg is more than just an awkward yoga pose

Giant rats could prevent poaching • The rodents may be used to sniff out illegal wildlife traders

Two gigantic ancient cities uncovered by drones • Without the airborne devices, scientists say the cities would've taken decades to map out

This simple exercise hack could shrink your risk of cognitive decline by 13% • Just one weekly workout could help protect your brain

Science reveals the best way to hold a frisbee • You've probably been doing it all wrong, says new study

Tobacco changed our ancestors’ bones • A new archaeological discovery could also unlock secrets of present-day crime scenes

Chlorine could save the corals • Swimming pool treatment could be a much-needed lifeline for reefs

An embryo in a different light • The incredibly detailed molecular hologram of a mouse's early development signals huge steps for prenatal testing

20 24 IN SCIENCE • From the development of new vaccines to hitting climate tipping points, there were as many reasons to celebrate as there were to commiserate this year. But what about the stories that tickled, shocked and completely flummoxed us? Here are our favourites from the last 12 months

Ignore the bad rep. Bats are one of our biggest allies • Most of them are creatures of the night. A few do feed on blood. But they all play a vital role in the planet's health

The hidden psychology of know-it-alls and why they think they know everything • “You don't want to do it like that. You want to do it like this…”

If nuclear energy is back on the agenda, we need a better plan for the waste • The problems caused by the Sellafield plant highlight the need for more considered planning

Is infidelity on the rise? • Tech is making it easier to cheat, but researchers can't say for certain if more of us are being unfaithful because so few people can agree on a definition of infidelity

Your kitchenware could be making you ill. Here's what to do about it • Harmful chemicals and microplastics might not be the extra ingredients you want in your meals

TECH TRENDS THAT MADE AND RUINED 2024 • 2024 was a big year for tech. While we bettered humanity through tools, gadgets and high-tech advancement, just as many innovations left us fretting for the future

Could your memory be hacked? • Research suggests that your recollections aren't just worryingly fallible, they're also surprisingly malleable. So could someone plant a false memory in your mind?

LINES IN THE SAND • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS HELPING ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNLOCK...