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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THE BEST SCIENCE IMAGES OF 2023 • A PIECE OF ROCK BROKEN OFF AN ASTEROID HURTLING THROUGH SPACE, THE FIRST FOOTPRINTS OF HUMANS ARRIVING IN NORTH AMERICA AND A GIANT MEATBALL MADE OUT OF WOOLLY MAMMOTH. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE IMAGES THAT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF BBC SCIENCE FOCUS EDITORS THIS YEAR, AND NO, THAT LAST ONE WASN’T A MISTAKE. ENJOY OUR SELECTION OF IMAGES THAT HAD US RUBBING OUR EYES IN DISBELIEF IN 2023.

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BBC Science Focus Magazine

DISCOVERIES

BIZARRE GIANT PLANET COULD REWRITE THE RULES OF SOLAR SYSTEMS • A true giant among dwarfs has been discovered, challenging theories about how planets form

YOUR TASTE BUDS COULD BE ENCOURAGING YOU TO BINGE EAT • New insights into the drivers of appetite could lead to better weight-loss treatments

NEW NASA AI TOOL SHOWS HOW CLIMATE CHANGE MIGHT AFFECT YOU • The model could help you make important life decisions as the world transforms

HIDDEN SIGNALS UNDER EARTH’S CRUST COULD HELP US PREDICT FUTURE QUAKES • Scientists say that, with the right forecasting, we could track major earthquakes years in advance

SCIENTISTS FINALLY WORK OUT WHAT CAUSES UNUSUAL ITCHING • And it’s worse than you think

YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO LOSE WEIGHT IF YOUR DOCTOR IS OPTIMISTIC • When it comes to enrolling people in weight-loss programmes, the doctor’s sales pitch is key

MODELLING COMET IMPACTS COULD HELP US LOCATE LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS • Cosmic snowballs in space may have delivered life-giving molecules to Earth

THE SCIENCE TO WATCH IN 2024 • If 2023 is anything to go by, the year to come will witness breakthroughs across every field of science. From cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence to revolutionary discoveries in health and space exploration, here’s what to expect…

SCIENCE IN CULTURE

UNDERSTANDING MATTER COULD REVEAL THE REASON WE, AND THE UNIVERSE, EXIST • Many questions remain unanswered when it comes to matter, but the biggest one is: Why is there any matter to begin with?

CLAIMING THE MORAL HIGH GROUND DOESN’T NECESSARILY MAKE YOU GOOD • Subconscious processes in the brain can convince us we’re being good, even when we’re not

WE’VE NEVER TAKEN WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SERIOUSLY. IT’S ABOUT TIME WE DID • How much pain is ‘normal’ for a person to have to endure? For women, that normal is often more than for a man

VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS: A NUMBER OF VOLCANOES ARE ACTIVE NOW. IS IT A SIGN OF TROUBLE? • With volcanic activity being reported everywhere from Iceland to Italy, should we be concerned that a catastrophic event is looming?

CAT CORONAVIRUS: A NEW VARIANT IS SPREADING IN CYPRUS • The new strain has killed thousands of felines on the island and at least one cat in the UK has been infected

WOODEN SATELLITES: LIGNOSAT PROJECT MAY REDUCE SPACE JUNK • US and Japanese space agencies are teaming up to launch lumber in an effort to reduce space litter

THE BEST INNOVATIONS OF 2023 PUSHING TECH BOUNDARIES • The desire to improve things is what drives technological innovation. Here are the game-changing innovations unveiled over the last year that caught our attention for taking improvements to a whole new level

HOW TO MASTER YOUR METABOLISM • Ready to welcome a leaner, healthier...