New issue: Unlimited energy

New issue: Unlimited energy

The world is facing an energy crisis. But deep beneath our feet is a limitless source of heat that could wean us off fossil fuels forever. Around the world, a handful of engineering companies have been digging deep in the hopes of harnessing this heat. If they are successful, it could be the solution to humanity's most pressing existential crisis and might allow us to avoid the very worst consequences of climate change. But to reach it, we need to dig deeper than we've ever dug before in search of some very special rocks...

Holly Spanner

Published: August 20, 2024 at 7:00 am
Issue 409 of BBC Science Focus is on sale in the UK from 20 August 2024

Dark empaths

Surprising research is revealing how people with dark personality traits can also have high levels of empathy. But could this make them more dangerous? We take a closer look at what exactly is going on inside the mind of a dark empath.

Lion's mane mushrooms

Lion's mane is having a moment. The internet is awash with praise for this shaggy-looking mushroom's health-boosting and disease-preventing properties, and its popular use in supplements has taken the health food world by storm. But is the hype true? Food nutritionist Dr Emma Beckett dives into the science behind its supposed effects on immunity, inflammation, gastrointestinal health, mental health, cognition, heart health, diabetes, and cancer, and of course, examines the side effects.

Deep-sea creatures

Meet the weird and wonderful creatures living in the darkest depths of the ocean and the extraordinary vision they've evolved. From spotting prey to avoiding predators, these incredible eyes can detect bioluminescence and the last remnants of sunshine as it trickles down into the inky black.

Black hole smash

Just like a runner might ‘hit a wall’ towards the end of a race, supermassive black holes slow to almost a complete stop when hurtling towards each other. Is dark matter the thing that's been getting them over this final hurdle and allowing them to collide?

Plus

  • Q&A: Expand your science knowledge in bite-size chunks. This issue: What's the most secret weapon we know about? How can I get over my fear of rejection? What's the strongest material in the Universe? Do we all have a lizard brain? Can we really absorb microplastics through our skin? And more!
  • Polluted rivers: The men's triathlon this year was postponed because of water quality concerns regarding the Seine. Meanwhile, in the UK, our seas and rivers are being used as a dumping ground for untreated sewage. But just how bad is it?
  • Science hacks for better sleep: Did you know that the secret to a better night's sleep is to fall asleep faster? Here are eight science-backed hacks to help you quickly drift off into a peaceful slumber, each and every night.

Issue 409 on sale Tuesday 20 August 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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