BBC Science Focus Magazine - February 2024

In this issue

DR DEAN BURNETT
Finding it difficult to keep hitting the gym? You’re not lazy – it’s your brain that’s to blame.

IN THE LINE OF FIRE
The recent eruptions in Iceland signal the start of a new phase of volcanic activity. And no one knows how long it could last.

BLACK HOLE UNBALANCES ENTIRE GALAXY WITH MASSIVE TANTRUM

The XMM-Newton space observatory has spotted a black hole going 'full toddler'

2 mins

NEW CAMERA TECH SEES THE WORLD THROUGH ANIMALS' EYES

Advanced video camera reproduces animals' eyesight capabilities with over 90 per cent accuracy

1 min

WATER FOUND BURIED UNDER MARTIAN EQUATOR

New observations reveal what's inside the mysterious deposits hidden beneath giant formations on the Red Planet

1 min

MEGALODON MAY NOT HAVE BEEN QUITE SO MEGA, CONTROVERSIAL STUDY SUGGESTS

Shark experts now disagree over the apex predator's shape and size

1 min

BREAKTHROUGH ANTI-AGEING CELL DISCOVERY COULD HELP YOU STAY YOUNGER FOR LONGER

A white blood cell in our bodies could give extended youth

2 mins

AI ANALYSIS SHOWS YOUR FINGERPRINTS AREN'T UNIQUE

The findings could lead to the reopening of many criminal cases

1 min

NEED TO TUNE OUT THE RINGING OF TINNITUS? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT

Initial trials of MindEar suggest it can help tinnitus sufferers filter out the ringing in their ears

1 min

PEEK INSIDE WHAT COULD BE THE FIRST HUMAN SETTLEMENT ON THE MOON

The Sun will never set on this lunar habitat that could double as an exclusive tourist destination

1 min

RADIO WAVES OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN HAVE SCIENTISTS PUZZLED

Fast radio bursts originating from outside the Milky Way were first detected almost 20 years ago. But what are they?

3 mins

STRUGGLING TO FIND THE MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE? BLAME YOUR BRAIN

We all know that working out makes us feel better. So why do most of us find it so difficult to actually do it?

3 mins

TONGUE SCRAPING: CAN THE LATEST TIKTOK TREND PUT AN END TO BAD BREATH?

Advocates of tongue scraping claim it's an effective way to remove odour-causing bacteria

4 mins

WATER BOTTLES: HOW SAVING THE PLANET COULD MAKE YOU SICK

Reusable water bottles reduce waste from single-use plastic, but without regular cleaning become havens for bacteria

4 mins

IN THE LINE OF FIRE

AFTER THREE YEARS OF FIERY ERUPTIONS, EXPERTS ARE NOW CONFIDENT THAT ICELAND'S REYKJANES PENINSULA HAS ENTERED A NEW PHASE OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY

9 mins

DARK MATTER A NEW DAWN

A SCIENTIST SEARCHING FOR THE MISSING PART IN OUR THEORY OF THE UNIVERSE REVEALS HOW WE'LL FIND IT DO CRACKS IN THE STANDARD MODEL HINT AT THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW PHYSICS?

9 mins

THE COUNTERINTUITIVE COSMOS

THE WORLD ISN'T WHAT IT SEEMS. HERE'S HOW SCIENCE HAS EXPOSED THE FALLACIES AND MISCONCEIVED IDEAS OF EARTH AND THE HEAVENS THROUGHOUT HISTORY

9 mins

WHY DO WE PICK FAVOURITES?

At the root of favouritism is the fact we all have preferences for certain colours, tastes, faces, places and much more. These preferences are partly driven by our evolutionary past.

1 min

SCIENTIFICALLY, WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CUT A SANDWICH?

The consensus view favours cutting sandwiches diagonally to form two triangles, although hard science to back this up is difficult to find.

1 min

A MATTER OF THE HEART

A little-known health test could save your life... for a price

3 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.