The Universe: The Story So Far

In this month's Focus, find out how Planck's discoveries are rewriting the history of our cosmos.

Published: September 18, 2013 at 11:00 pm

On sale date: 19th September 2013

Issue: 260

The Universe: The Story So Far

This year could go down in history as the one when a revolution in our understanding of the Universe truly began. The Planck space observatory, located 1.5 million km from Earth, is shedding new light on the story of the Universe, from its inception 13.8 billion years ago to the present day. In this month'sFocus, find out how Planck's discoveries are rewriting the history of our cosmos.

Seven Synthetic Biology Breakthroughs That Will Change The World

From new cancer treatments to DNA-based computers and plants that glow in the dark, biological engineering is powering a technological revolution. We look at the breakthroughs that are allowing scientists to play God with biology.

What Makes Us Disgusted?

Lots of things disgust us: rotting food, maggots, cockroaches, poor hygiene and bodily fluids can all make our stomachs churn and our lips curl. We find out how this physical disgust is inextricably linked to moral outrage, and why our very survival depends on it.

Also inside this issue:

How to survive a space disaster:The biggest threats aboard the International Space Station

Spies in the sky:The next generation of drones put to the test

Stephen Hawking:New documentary reviewed

ET on Earth?Why evidence could be encoded in our genes

Plus

How Do We Know:What causes earthquakes?

Q&A:Why do we have eyebrows?

MegaPixel:Awe-inspiring images from the world of science

Tech Hub:The brain-boosting headset that promises to sharpen reflexes

To Do List:Ada Lovelace Day Live

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