BBC Knowledge - June 2017

In this issue

What if you were the last person alive?
Movie makers and authors continue to spend a lot of time and money on imagining a world when mankind has left the building, but we have the scientific version this issue. And it’s fascinating...
To push the scenario along, but in a more fun way, we also have an engaging feature on Mars, and how the portrayal of the Red Planet over the years has mirrored the state of the world Away from gloom and doom, we’re loving our portfolio of cool photographs of flamingos; they make such a dramatic contrast to almost-colourless landscapes. Viruses come in for rare approbation too, with an analysis of how they play a part in keeping us alive.
On our history menu is a captivating profile of BT Barnum, aptly nicknamed the Great Pretender, while our Great Indian Authors series serves up the powerhouse that was Mahasweta Devi.
But, if the thought of life as we know it ending freaks you out, despite all our attempts to distract you, here are two happy thoughts:
One, there are seven new exoplanets to plan trips to, a la Elon Musk, and two, if you don’t sharpen your brain with our easy tips, you may not even realise when the world is ending.
Happy planning either way!

Seven Earth-sized Exoplanets Found

The system of planets found orbiting nearby dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 may be our best chance yet of finding alien life

3 mins

Meet Your Many Times Great Granddad: A Bag-like Creature Without An Anus

It may not look much like Aunty Jean or Uncle Bob, but this tiny sea creature could be your oldest known ancestor.

1 min

Five Reasons To Switch

Nintendo is re-inventing the console again…

2 mins

Snapshots

This blue and white harlequin shrimp was snapped

2 mins

What The Earth Will Look Like When We're Gone?

From asteroid strike to climate change to nuclear war, humanity faces all kinds of existential threats. But, if our species disappeared tomorrow, what would actually happen – and what kind of planet would we be leaving behind,

7 mins

The Viruses That Made Us Human

Viruses give us infections, from the common cold to Ebola and Aids. But new research shows that they may also have played a key role in shaping the evolution of homo sapiens.

9 mins

In Thrall To The Red Planet

Eric Rabkin argues that depictions of Mars in literature and film – both as the cradle of hideous invaders, and humanity’s potential saviour – frequently reflect the political climate back on Earth

6 mins

Battling Beetles And How To Conserve These Endangered Species

They were once thought to summon lightning, and we still have lots to learn about stag beetles if we want to conserve these wood-munching leviathans.

6 mins

Can You Supercharge Your Brain?

Your brain is the finely-tuned machine that controls all your actions and emotions, so it makes sense to keep it well-oiled. But, asks Rita Carter, are there any scientifically proven methods to ensure it works better for longer?

7 mins

Learn A Language Or Instrument

So far only two types of mental exertion have been shown to improve or preserve overall cognitive ability.

1 min

The Great Pretender

Antonio Melechi reveals how PT Barnum – the brains behind General Tom Thumb, the Feejee Mermaid and a wildly successful circus – turned a flair for outrageous stunts and hoaxes into a multi-million dollar concern

6 mins

Mahasweta Devi

Author and historian Urvashi Butalia details the life and words of an activist and feminist force

9 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.