New issue: The biggest breakthroughs of the century

New issue: The biggest breakthroughs of the century

On the eve of a quarter century, it seems like a good time to pause and take a look back (and forwards) at the science that matters. Of course, it’s all important, but it’s fun to wind the clock back and argue about the breakthroughs that have really blown our minds since the year 2000. We asked some of the world’s leading scientists and science commentators for their take on the biggest breakthroughs of the 21st century (so far), including the Higgs boson particle, the Mars Curiosity rover, psychedelic therapy, HPV and HIV vaccines, programmable chemical robots, the James Webb Space Telescope... and more.

Holly Spanner

Published: December 27, 2024 at 8:00 am

Inside the Pentagon's UFO files

The US Congress is talking about extraterrestrials again. But despite several testimonies, the question remains frustratingly unanswered. Professor Michael Bohlander, who specialises in the impact that contact with extraterrestrial intelligence would have on human law, dives into the newly released documents from the Pentagon.

Fall asleep faster

Racing thoughts are one of the most common symptoms when we can’t sleep. So if you're struggling to drop off because your brain just won't shut up - you might want to try cognitive shuffling. This simple guide tells you how (even better – you can do it from your bed, with your eyes closed).

Earth's changing spin

Scientists are uncovering how human activity – and our growing demand for water – is having more of an effect on Earth's rotation... than the melting polar ice caps.

New year, new you?

Can you change your personality? Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Christian Jarrett looks into the techniques and methods that claim to help you become a more confident, extroverted and fulfilled person.

Plus

  • Worst ideas of the 21st century: Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Here are the most promising innovations from the last 25 years that... flopped dismally.
  • Images of the 21st century: The world is full of wonders, and high-resolution cameras let us see them in unprecedented detail. Check out our favourite images captured during the first 25 years of the 21st century.
  • Q&A: Answers to the best pub quiz trivia. This month: Could I build a death ray in my garden? How far back in time could I travel and still be able to breathe? How can I see Saturn in the night sky? how many abs can I get? What's the biggest snowman ever built? How can polar bears smell food from so far away?

Issue 414 on sale Tuesday 27 December 2024

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Holly Spanner

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.

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