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…

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BBC Science Focus Magazine

DISCOVERIES

NEW ULTRASOUND TECHNIQUE COULD ENABLE BRAIN TREATMENTS… AND, ONE DAY, DELAY AGEING • A new drug delivery system brings scientists a step closer to curing brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s. But the scientists behind it are aiming even higher

Breaking into the brain to delay ageing

'BLOCKING' NEGATIVE THOUGHTS MAY HELP MENTAL HEALTH, SAYS CONTENTIOUS STUDY • A new technique could provide relief for people with anxiety, but has been met with scepticism by some scientists

BLACK HOLES ARE TEARING THROUGH SPACE-TIME MUCH QUICKER THAN SCIENTISTS THOUGHT • 3D simulations of black holes demonstrate their hungry ways and could begin to explain dramatic episodes in the life of a quasar

SCIENTISTS GROW SYNTHETIC HUMAN EMBRYOS FOR 14 DAYS WITHOUT EGGS, SPERM OR A WOMB • The milestone research will help to unlock fresh insights into the first month of human development, but also raises important ethical questions

THERE ARE RADIOACTIVE BOARS LURKING IN GERMAN FORESTS • If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise

SCIENTISTS RECREATE EGYPTIAN MUMMY'S 3,500-YEAR-OLD 'SCENT OF ETERNITY' • Hints of vanilla and Tarmac characterise the embalming fluid use to mummify an ancient noblewoman

TAKING CARE OF YOUR TEETH COULD PROTECT YOU AGAINST CANCER • You don’t need dazzling pearly whites, but scientists say a good set of gnashers and regular trips to the dentist are important

DISCOVERY TRIGGERS HUNT FOR PLANET'S PINK DIAMOND-FILLED SCARS • Geologists locate the missing ‘ingredient’ that causes rare diamonds to rise to the surface

THE PIROLA COVID SUBVARIANT • The Pirola subvariant of coronavirus has hit the UK. Will it cause more severe disease? Will vaccines protect us? And could it lead to more lockdowns?

LOOKING TO LOSE WEIGHT? EXERCISE ALONE WON'T WORK • Want to shed that spare tyre? It’s not as easy as it seems. Trust me, I cycled the length of Britain to try

ACCUSING ORCAS OF ATTACKING BOATS TURNS THEM INTO VILLAINS • We need to learn a lot more about whale behaviour before we can say if they really are out for revenge

REALITY CHECK • THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE HEADLINES

A NEW FORCE: PHYSICS MIGHT SOON NEED AN UPDATE • New measurements of subatomic particles interacting with magnetic fields hint at physics beyond the Standard Model

SALT: EATING LESS CUTS YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE BY 10% • Salt helps food last longer and taste better, but too much of it can be a danger to your health

INNOVATIONS PREPARE YOURSELF FOR TOMORROW

Fairphone 5: The obvious choice for smartphone sustainability • The Fairphone 5 might look like a typical smartphone, but it has been built to last a lot longer

The AI tools that will streamline your life • Artificial intelligence is having a moment, powering an array of smart tools to improve your workload and everyday existence. Here are our picks of the best AI innovations designed for…

Ideas we like… • Our pick of the month’s smartest tech

IDEAS WE DON'T LIKE…

RESCUE BOTS • BURNING BUILDINGS, COLLAPSED TUNNELS, SINKING SHIPS… WHEREVER YOU MIGHT FIND...