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

IMAGES OF THE CENTURY • THE WORLD IS FULL OF WONDERS, AND HIGH-RESOLUTION CAMERAS LET US SEE THEM IN UNPRECEDENTED DETAIL. CHECK OUT OUR FAVOURITE IMAGES CAPTURED DURING THE FIRST 25 YEARS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

FEEDBACK • YOUR OPINIONS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND OUR MAGAZINE

BBC Science Focus Magazine

DISCOVERIES

GEOPHYSICS Human activity is changing Earth's tilt and rotation • Scientists have found that using underground water has more of an impact on Earth's tilt than melting polar caps

PALAEONTOLOGY Poop and vomit reveals how dinosaurs got so big • It wasn't meat but plant-based diets that helped dinosaurs rise to the top

HEALTH Your cholesterol level predicts your dementia risk • People with stable levels have a lower risk of neurological conditions, says study

METEOROLOGY Giant hailstones herald future storms • Study reveals how massive ice balls get bigger… and become lethal

HEALTH Key weight-loss mystery solved • New research suggests fat cells have a ‘memory’

PSYCHOLOGY Abbreviations make your messages seem less sincere • FYI, the common practice can make it look like you're not fully invested in your correspondence

SPACE Star outside our galaxy imaged for first time • Scientists have captured a close-up of WOH G64

BIOLOGY Map of 100 million human body cells revealed • Over three dozen new studies mark a significant milestone towards a complete Human Cell Atlas

US Congress is talking about extraterrestrial activity again. Is the truth really out there? • Despite several testimonies, the question remains frustratingly unanswered

Could your cosmetics be harming your health? • Cosmetic companies are phasing out microplastics and so-called ‘forever chemicals’ to help protect consumers

THE BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGHS OF THE CENTURY • We're a quarter of the way into the new century. To mark this milestone, we asked the UK's top minds to highlight some of time game-changing scientific breakthroughs shaping our world since the year 2000

10 IDEAS THAT WILL SHAPE THE NEXT 25 YEARS

THE WORST IDEAS OF THE 21ST CENTURY (so far) • NOT ALL IDEAS CAN BE HITS. ALONGSIDE GROUND-BREAKING INNOVATIONS, 21ST-CENTURY SCIENTISTS HAVE HELMED THEIR SHARE OF WILD TECH FLOPS, DUBIOUS THEORIES AND OVERHYPED BREAKTHROUGHS. HERE ARE THE BIGGEST TO FORGET

How can I change my personality? • Want to become more confident, extroverted or assertive? Science shows that with a few simple changes, you can unlock your best self

Q&A YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

THE MARY RIVER TURTLE

HOW TO SEE THE EVENING PLANETS WHEN: EARLY-MID JANUARY

TYRONE KIDD, DEVON WHAT DETERMINES HOW MANY ABS I CAN GET?

TERESA THOMAS, VIA EMAIL WHAT'S THE BIGGEST SNOWMAN EVER BUILT?

ROBERT GREEN, VIA EMAIL WHY ARE WIND TURBINES SO BIG?

CROSSWORD

DO THE COGNITIVE SHUFFLE • Trouble sleeping? A lot on your mind? Use this trick and sedate your synapses