Alice Lipscombe-Southwell
Managing editor, BBC Science Focus
Alice Lipscombe-Southwell is the managing editor at BBC Science Focus. She handles the production and editing of the magazine and website, ensuring that everything is sent to press on time. She also makes regular appearances on the Instant Genius podcast. She has a BSc in zoology with marine zoology and has been working in science journalism for nearly a decade. Her interests include natural history, wildlife, the outdoors, health and fitness. In 2022, she won the BSME Talent Award for production team of the year.
Recent articles by Alice Lipscombe-Southwell
These mind-bending biological superpowers let birds fly for 11 days without food
Tiny birds can cross continents, but where do they find the energy?
The 7 biggest ocean mysteries scientists can't explain
Weird noises, mysterious constructions and strange disappearances have left scientists scratching their heads. Here are seven phenomena we still can’t explain.
What’s the longest a human can hold their breath underwater?
Breathe in! People can hold air in their lungs for a surprising length of time.
Instant Genius Podcast | How human disease changed history, with Dr Jonathan Kennedy
How infections have shaped global history.
Instant Genius Podcast | UK wildlife, with Dr Philip Wheeler
We delve into the spectacular nature featured in Sir David Attenborough's Wild Isles.
The secrets of snakes: Their hidden legs and insane diets, explained
Whether you love them or are frightened of them, you cannot deny that snakes are fascinating, adaptable creatures.
Instant Genius Podcast | Snakes, with Prof Mark O’Shea
How snakes move, why we have so few of them in the UK, and how venom works.
Instant Genius Podcast | Winter storms, with Alex Deakin
Why do we name storms? And could climate change be making them worse?
How to get smarter in six achievable, science-backed steps
Brain feeling a bit sluggish? Try this advice to boost your memory, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Instant Genius Podcast | The electrome, with Sally Adee
Exploring bioelectricity – the electricity flowing through every cell in your body.
Test your brain with these Christmas puzzles
Is your grey matter feeling a bit fried? Give it a workout with these tricky puzzles.
Zuvi Halo hairdryer: Is it worth the price?
This innovative hairdryer was recently launched and has already been called the 'Tesla of hairdryers'. So does it blow its competition away?
Instant Genius Podcast | Robins, with Helen Wilson
We speak to Helen Wilson, an associate professor of human geography at the University of Durham. She explains the natural history and cultural impact of one of the nation's most-loved birds, the Robin.
Instant Genius Podcast | Kindness, with Claudia Hammond
Claudia Hammond, a psychologist and BBC Radio 4 presenter outlines easy ways to introduce more kindness into your life, which could make you happier and healthier.
Instant Genius Podcast | Flies, with Dr Erica McAlister
Flies are easy to complain about, but they actually serve a very useful purpose. We spoke to Dr Erica McAlister, the curator of flies at the Natural History Museum to learn more.
Instant Genius Podcast | Spider season, with Prof Adam Hart
That time of the year has come back around. It is spider season, but why do spiders choose this time and can UK spiders hurt you? Prof Adam Hart from the University of Gloucester gives us the lowdown.
Instant Genius Podcast | Dung Beetles, with Sally-Ann Spence
Dung beetle expert Sally-Ann Spence explores the little insects, revealing where you can find them, and why we should look after them.
The Tasmanian tiger: the misunderstood marsupial that scientists want to bring back from the dead
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was wiped out in the 20th Century. Here's everything you wanted to know about this charismatic carnivore.
Everything you wanted to know about the giant squid
It's got loads of arms! And huge eyes! It can fight a sperm whale! Let's hear it for the giant squid.
A Kew botanist reveals what to plant to keep your garden looking lush during the next heatwave
Droughts and heatwaves will keep ravaging our gardens in years to come. These are the plants that can cope well with high temperatures and drier conditions.
Instant Genius Podcast | What caused the heatwave and drought, with Dann Mitchell
Professor Dann Mitchell joins us on our podcast, Instant Genius, to discuss recent heatwaves and drought.
Botanists' tips on how to plant for heatwaves
This year has seen hot weather, droughts and hosepipe bans, which have left our green spaces looking miserable. Gardening experts from Kew reveal what we should plant for future heatwaves.
New species of deep-sea isopod the size of an iPad discovered in Gulf of Mexico
The woodlouse-like animal lives at the bottom of the ocean, scavenging on any food that comes its way.
Fact check: The spider crabs that gathered in Cornwall aren't venomous
Following the news reports of 'venomous' spider crabs gathering in huge numbers off Cornwall, we debunk the stories that they are dangerous to humans.