BBC Science Focus Magazine - February 2025

In this issue

SOFIA QUAGLIA - How social learning creates a culture of cooperation between unexpected species.
HARD TO STOMACH - Irritable bowel syndrome affects one in ten people worldwide. Experts think they’re closing in on what might cause it.
DETECTING DEMENTIA - New research is enabling us to identify the signs of neurodegenerative diseases sooner and could help us stave off their effects for longer.

Asteroid sample reveals life's origin

A 'briny broth' may unlock the secrets of life on Earth... and further afield

4 mins

Scientists identify a better predictor for heart health than BMI

You want this fat in your steak, but not in your muscles

3 mins

The strange daily routines of successful people won't bring you fame and fortune

Punishing 2am workouts and fistfuls of supplements unlikely to help you get ahead in life.

3 mins

Animals have culture like us, but will share theirs with other species

New research suggests that cultural practices in the animal kingdom can develop across species boundaries

3 mins

A dopamine detox does little for your brain chemistry

Swearing off social media may well improve your mood, but probably not because it resets your dopamine levels

5 mins

Polyphenols: The key to a healthier, longer life or just another health food fad?

A special type of nutrient that's only found in fruit and veg could be more important to your health than vitamins and minerals

4 mins

The 10 WEIRDEST Gadgets

The year's biggest tech event has come and gone. Here's our pick of the weirdest gadgets that caught our attention

5 mins

ALL THE LIGHT - WE CAN SEE

New Jersey is the new Roswell – or so it might seem after a swarm of bright lights, glowing orange-red orbs and unidentified flying objects filled the skies throughout December 2024.

8 mins

HARD TO STOMACH

Despite being a common condition, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome has proven tricky to find. Now researchers are beginning to understand what's going on in our guts... and the best ways to soothe them

8 mins

Lost Cities - FOUND

When archaeologist Stéphen Rostain first started doing fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest about 40 years ago, there was very little interest in the region.

8 mins

DETECTING DEMENTIA

New science is uncovering how Alzheimer's could be detected decades before symptoms strike. Could it give us the head start needed to fight back and defeat the disease?

9 mins

How do you treat perimenopause symptoms?

Both hormonal and natural treatments can be used to treat disruptive perimenopause symptoms. But which ones are right for you?

4 mins

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BBC Science Focus Magazine Description:

BBC Focus Magazine is the magazine of popular science and technology that explains the wonders of the Universe through stunning photography and accessible articles. Contributors include the very best writers and science experts, with columns every issue from renowned science writer Robert Matthews, TV presenter and scientist Helen Czerski, and science fiction author Stephen Baxter. From archaeology to neuroscience, climate change and particle physics, BBC Focus Magazine keeps you up to speed with the cutting-edge science and gadgets that will change our world.