BBC Knowledge Magazine - October 2017

In this issue

Ready for some magic? Yes, this is a scientific magazine, but, sometimes, isn’t science magical too? We’ve got a fascinating set of experiments this issue in our DIY Science feature – go on, try them all! What’s life without a little fun in the most unexpected ways? Do write in and tell us how you got along…Then, there’s a cool story about how hackers are working their way through the world wide web, causing financial mayhem and political problems, or just indulging in some mischief. Also, on the cool front, but in a totally different way, the giant otters of the Peruvian Amazon are taking on the caimans of the river, and winning for the most part, and we have the beautiful flora and fauna of Ecuador in our Portfolio section. We have the many Caesars of Rome with us too. I was surprised at their diverse personalities and even by just how many they were; I think you will be too. Our other history story details the 1865 tragedy on the Matterhorn, and, even more interestingly, what the opinions on mountaineering were at the time. Among our India stories, alongside Urvashi Butalia’s profile of Premchand this issue, we’re thrilled to have mythology expert Devdutt Pattanaik join us in a new series on Indian mythology. He begins with a analysis of how the perception of the great god Indra has changed down the centuries, and it makes fascinating reading.Because, when it comes down to it, all knowledge is magical, isn’t it?

Computational Origami Takes A Big Leap Forward

An MIT professor of computer science and an assistant professor in civil engineering at the University of Tokyo have joined forces to come up with a better way of… making paper rabbits.

1 min

Cockatoos Got Rhythm

Birds might generally be better known for their singing, but new research carried out by Prof Rob Heinsohn from the Australian National University (ANU) has proved they can also be a dab hand on the drums.

1 min

Injustice 2

Publisher: NetherRealm StudiosFormat: PlayStation 4 and X-Box

1 min

Tragedy On The Matterhorn

The conquest of the last great Alpine peak in 1865 should have been a triumph, but instead ended in the deaths of four climbers. Peter H Hansen examines its impact on attitudes to mountaineers

6 mins

Lake Of Giants

In the Peruvian Amazon, a family of giant otters fends off hundreds of caiman to dominate a lake. Only through teamwork and guile can they beat their reptilian rivals, says PHILIPPA FORRESTER.

7 mins

The Transformation Of Indra

Indra is within us, writes mythology expert DEVDUTT PATTANAIK, as he traces the changing perceptions of the god, in the first of a series on Indian mythologies history Indian Mythology

6 mins

Read all stories from BBC Knowledge

BBC Knowledge Magazine Description:

BBC Knowledge is a magazine for young inquisitive minds where well-researched, handpicked stories are matched with breath-taking visuals to cover science, history and nature. Written by renowned International and Indian experts, its wide range of features provides riveting and up-to-date information on topics as varied as technology, archaeology, natural history and space exploration. With material meant to stimulate the mind, BBC Knowledge looks to empower a generation of young readers.