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.

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NUCLEAR FUSION BREAKTHROUGH BRINGS UNLIMITED CLEAN ENERGY ONE STEP CLOSER • For the first time, the atom-smashing technique has been successfully used to generate more energy than researchers put in

‘HEART ATTACK ON A CHIP’ COULD UNLOCK NEW CARDIAC TREATMENTS • The new device allows researchers to observe changes to hear tissue in real time

GROUND-BREAKING SCREENING TEST CAN CATCH 14 CANCERS IN THE EARLY STAGES • The new test, which measures metabolic sugars found in the blood and urine, could boost cancer survival rates

SNOW TYRES INSPIRED BY POLAR BEAR PAWS COULD PROVIDE BETTER GRIP • Tiny structures on the bears’ paw pads produce the traction that allows them to move freely on ice and snow

COVID: THE CAUSE OF LONG-TERM SMELL LOSS MAY HAVE BEEN FOUND • A similar mechanism could also be responsible for other symptoms of long COVID, such as brain fog, shortness of breath and fatigue

FERMENTED FOODS COULD CONTAIN A CURE FOR BAD BREATH • Probiotic bacteria found in yoghurt, kimchi and sourdough bread have been identified as a temporary remedy for halitosis

STONE WEAPONS MAY LINK THE ICE AGE PEOPLES OF NORTH AMERICA AND NORTHEAST ASIA • The discovery of North America's oldest-known stone dart tips is shedding new light on ancient societies

BIODIVERSITY • What is the current state of the Earth's flora and fauna, and what can we do to protect it?

THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT… • As a remedy for all the bad news out there, let us prescribe you a small dose of feel-good science. Each issue, we'll give you a rundown of the latest breakthroughs that aim to solve humanity's biggest problems. From reversing optical degeneration to finding fuel in thin air, here you'll find many reasons to feel hopeful for our future…

HOW YOU COULD HELP PROTECT EARTH FROM AN ASTEROID HIT • An asteroid that recently crashed in Ontario highlights the key role of amateurs in tracking asteroids heading for Earth

NEW YEAR, SAME YOU? • Don't worry if you've broken your New Year's resolutions already. Try reframing them, and starting again

LANGUAGE LEARNING MODELS ARE REVOLUTIONISING CONVERSATIONAL AI • Chatbots like ChatGPT can engage in increasingly realistic conversations, but there's still a lot we need to figure out

REALITY CHECK SCIENCE BEHIND THE HEADLINES A SIMULATION WORMHOLE: COULD THIS HELP PHYSICISTS UNITE GRAVITY AND QUANTUM THEORY? • Are physicists nearing the discovery of a holy grail ‘theory of everything’?

PET GRIEF: WHY LOSING A DOG OR CAT IS LIKE LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER • Studies reveal that the bereavement of a pet can be as traumatic as that of a human family member

SCREAMING THERAPY: DOES IT REDUCE STRESS? • The idea that started in the 1970s is once again becoming all the rage, but does it really work?

Amazon Kindle Scribe: a great device with an identity crisis • The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a brilliant e-reader, but by trying to do everything, it isn't the best at anything, says Alex Hughes

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The five best air fryers • An essential piece of kit for the kitchen, says Emily Peck

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