BBC Science Focus Magazine - New Year 2024

In this issue

THE BEST SCIENCE IMAGES OF 2023
The most awe-inspiring shots from around the world.

HOW TO MASTER YOUR METABOLISM
Science-backed tips to help you fine-tune your body’s calorie-burning furnace..

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.

7 mins

Bizarre giant planet could rewrite the rules of solar systems

A true giant among dwarfs has been discovered, challenging theories about how planets form

2 mins

New NASA AI tool shows how climate change might affect you

The model could help you make important life decisions as the world transforms

2 mins

Your Taste Buds Could Be Encouraging You to Binge Eat

New insights into the drivers of appetite could lead to better weight-loss treatments

2 mins

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

1 min

SCIENTISTS FINALLY WORK OUT WHAT CAUSES UNUSUAL ITCHING

And it's worse than you think

1 min

MODELLING COMET IMPACTS COULD HELP US LOCATE LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS

Cosmic snowballs in space may have delivered life-giving molecules to Earth

1 min

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

1 min

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...

1 min

Tech horizons

Speculations about OpenAI's next projects abound, and - although nothing has been formally announced we'll be expecting updates to its Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) models.

1 min

New frontiers in health

Following the attention focused on weight-loss drug semaglutide in 2023, phase 3 trials of a similar antidiabetic, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), are expected to produce results towards the end of 2024.

1 min

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?

3 mins

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

3 mins

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

3 mins

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?

3 mins

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

3 mins

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

3 mins

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

9 mins

HOW TO MASTER YOUR METABOLISM

Ready to welcome a leaner, healthier you? It's time for a metabolic makeover. With a few simple, research-backed changes, you can supercharge your body's calorie-burning

8 mins

WHAT'S NEXT?

MARS COLONIES WEIGHT-LOSS PILLS LAB-GROWN BABIES | CLIMATE FIXES CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS AGELESS BRAINS

4 mins

COULD A PILL REALLY HELP US LOSE WEIGHT?

Cutting-edge weight-loss treatments might be around the corner. But can they end obesity?

5 mins

WILL SEX BECOME OBSOLETE?

New technologies could reimagine baby-making as we know it. But will they actually replace tried-and-tested (and enjoyable) methods?

4 mins

CAN TECH SAVE US FROM CLIMATE CHANGE?

The one thing we need to save us from climate catastrophe is the one thing technology can't provide - time

4 mins

WILL WE EVER CURE CANCER?

One of the most pressing medical challenges facing the world's ageing population is the fight against cancer. But is this a battle that's winnable - and what technologies are being developed to wage the war?

5 mins

Read all stories from BBC Science Focus

BBC Science Focus Magazine Description:

BBC Focus Magazine is the magazine of popular science and technology that explains the wonders of the Universe through stunning photography and accessible articles. Contributors include the very best writers and science experts, with columns every issue from renowned science writer Robert Matthews, TV presenter and scientist Helen Czerski, and science fiction author Stephen Baxter. From archaeology to neuroscience, climate change and particle physics, BBC Focus Magazine keeps you up to speed with the cutting-edge science and gadgets that will change our world.