BBC Knowledge Magazine - February 2017

In this issue

A very happy new year to you. The beginning of each year invites us to re-evaluate our thoughts on the everyday, and the pulling together of this issue forced me to think about how all-pervasive technology is - even in the lives of people who bemoan the loss of a simpler past. Why, then, do we sometimes baulk at the idea of how much we depend on technology? For parents, it may be worry about how many hours a child may spend absorbed in something with a screen. For young people, it might well be all about FOMO - the fear of missing out.There are, of course, the ardent advocates of technology - Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, among them - but, for us, perhaps it is best to bring it down to daily living. It is about giving technology its place in our lives, just like eating the right amount of food, drinking enough water, even getting enough sunlight. Is Technology Changing Our Brains?, our cover story this issue, takes a cold, hard look at how technology is rewiring our minds, for better or for worse. In conjunction with this story, we’re proud to present the ἀrst module of the BBC Knowledge Panel of Principals, educators from across India weighing in on the subject, as well as responses from our BBC Knowledge Community on social media. There’s more on the new and the happening in our Discoveries & Innovations pages, augmented by a re-imagined On The Shelves section that explores new and classic technology, gadgets, games and literature. Still, perhaps the beauty of our rapidly-evolving life on earth is that some things are constant. How baby animals are adorbs. How we’ll always love the genius of R. K. Narayan and his Malgudi world. How there’s always time for a good tale, especially when the storyteller is Sudha Murty. How so many of us love how dogs could now be dogtors.
I leave you with a thought from Jerry Baumgartner that will soothe both the advocates and naysayers of technology:“Technology gives the quietest student a voice.”

Is Technology Changing Our Brains?

We increasingly rely on social media to talk to friends, GPS to navigate and the web for information. But, asks Jo Carlowe, is that wise?

10 mins

Is Technology Changing Our Brains?

We increasingly rely on social media to talk to friends, GPS to navigate and the web for information. But, asks Jo Carlowe, is that wise?

10 mins

The Yaksha's Quiz

One day, a man approached the Pandavas while they were in exile in the forest.

6 mins

Are Dogs Making Us Healthy Too?

While we know our furry friends are brilliant companions, Dr John Bradshaw finds out if they could actually be making us healthier too.

6 mins

Your Doctor will See you Now

While we know our furry friends are brilliant companions, Dr John Bradshaw finds out if they could actually be making us healthier too.

6 mins

Are You a Genetic Superhero?

Recent research has revealed a handful of ‘superheroes’ walking among us, whose DNA gifts them with resistance against serious diseases. Now, as Kat Amey observes, just have to find them…

8 mins

r. k. narayan

author and historian urvashi butalia tells of the life and words of one of india’s mostbeloved writers.

6 mins

R. K. Narayan

Author and historian Urvashi Butalia tells of the life and words of one of India’s most-beloved writers.

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.