BBC Knowledge - August 2016

In this issue

Our cover story this month, for me, is about the ultimate quest of mankind. How to manipulate life – to extend, to design, to create anew. Regenerative medicine and biotechnology is making mind-boggling strides - new tissue is being grown in petri dishes, brain mapping is becoming more sophisticated among many other things. It’s not long before the first working replica of the human brain will be created. In the story, you will also read about the Russian billionaire who is funding research on how to transfer human consciousness onto a computer. It is another step towards the direction of pursuing immortality by using robotics and the technology as a supplement to aid natural life. It is a gripping article, a mini digest of all-you-need-to-know about the journey ‘to build a human’. On page 40. Not all our features are looking into the future. I loved the feature on Why Rome Ruled the World (pg 34) and on the History of the Underwear. I know for sure that my 10-year old would be tickled silly reading the latter. Inside we also have a fantastic conversation with Sunil Khilnani, historian and author of one of the books I have thoroughly enjoyed recently – Incarnations: India in 50 Lives. A must-read. And thank you to all our young readers for submitting in their creative works for the Get Published in BBC Knowledge initiative. We received such wonderful poems and essays from all across the country and the selections are inside the pages for you to read. Congratulations to all our young published writers. Cheers.

Questions at theFrontiersof..Probability

It’s not all about tossing countless coins and rolling dice, says Robert Matthews. Probability researchers are also working on ways to unravel the secrets of the universe

5 mins

ARevealing History of Underwear

From riotously colourful corsets and ‘virile’ Y-fronts to punk-rock leggings, underwear has long possessed a rare ability to push creative boundaries and spark moral outrage. Edwina Ehrman, curator of a new Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition, introduces Spencer Mizen to seven of the most influential designs of the past 300 years

6 mins

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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.