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

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Rover’s rambling • MOUNT SHARP, MARS

A map of many colours • KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY, ARIZONA, USA

Close encounters • TAK PROVINCE, THAILAND

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BBC Science Focus Magazine

DISCOVERIES

INSIDE THE BOLD PROJECT TO PREDICT THE START OF YOUR MENOPAUSE… AND DELAY IT • Scientists are working to crack the code of women’s reproductive lifespans, in the hope of improving their health and fertility

‘GIANT FISH LIZARD’ DISCOVERED ON SOMERSET BEACH COULD BE THE LARGEST OCEAN REPTILE EVER • Scientists have uncovered what could be the world’s biggest marine reptile and it was a prehistoric whopper

‘ALIEN AURORA’ MAY HAVE BEEN SPOTTED ON NEARBY FAILED STAR • This brown dwarf doesn’t shine with fusion light, but may have found a way to put on a dazzling display of its own

NEW IMAGE OF THE BLACK HOLE AT THE CENTRE OF OUR GALAXY REVEALS ITS HIDDEN FEATURES • The stunning image of Sagittarius A* confirms that black holes share characteristics

NEW ATLAS OF AGEING COULD KEEP YOUR MUSCLES YOUNG • Creaks and groans may ail your bones, but a new muscle map could slow your ageing tissue

LIT FROM LAVA BELOW • Ideal conditions on Chile’s most active volcano created a spectacular show — lava illuminating a flying saucer-shaped cloud

NEW STUDY SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW THE MOON REALLY IMPACTS MENSTRUAL CYCLES • Research shows that women’s menstrual cycles follow the same rules as their body’s circadian rhythms

MICROBIOME BREAKTHROUGH COULD BE KEY TO FIGHTING OBESITY • Researchers have more than a gut feeling about how to prevent weight gain in the not-so-distant future

SCIENTISTS GAIN NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE SOLAR SYSTEM’S DEATH • White dwarf stars can’t help but gobble up passing objects — including, eventually, the planets in our Solar System

THE WORLD’S LARGEST CAMERA WILL SHOW US THE UNIVERSE IN ULTRA HIGH-DEF • The 3,200-megapixel camera could help astronomers solve the mystery of dark matter

ANTI-OBESITY DRUGS ARE A BIG HELP, BUT THEY’RE NOT A SOLUTION • Recent developments in medication are starting to make a huge impact, but we still need to address the root causes

MILLIONS OF DONKEYS ARE BEING KILLED TO MAKE MEDICINE THAT DOESN’T WORK • The demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey skins, has risen dramatically in recent years

What can we do about ‘forever chemicals’ in our food? • Non-biodegradable chemicals used in pesticides and packaging are finding their way into fruit and veg

The Moon’s secrets could be lost forever • Experts are calling for legal protections to safeguard scientifically significant lunar sites from being irreparably damaged

We could soon detect (and treat) dementia decades in advance • A new blood test could diagnose the condition much earlier

SMART RINGS ARE COMING BUT DO WE REALLY NEED ANOTHER WEARABLE? • Big tech companies are working on smart rings. But when smartwatches and smartphones are so good, what’s the point of smart jewellery?

HIDDEN HOME TECH: HIDE THE WIRES WITH THESE DISCREET DEVICES • Let’s be honest, tech can ruin a home’s aesthetic. Blocky speakers, large projector units and tangles of cables are unsightly. Tech companies are finally...