In this issue

MICHAEL MOSLEY
Walking in the outdoors is a great form of exercise, but you could reap more benefits – and even smile more broadly – if you truly appreciate your surroundings.

A SCIENTIST’S GUIDE TO LIFE
Dreading a visit from the in-laws from hell this Christmas? Don’t worry, psychologist Linda Blair is here to help you have a stress-free festive period..

WATER FOUND ON THE MOON COULD QUENCH FUTURE ASTRONAUTS' THIRST

Water could be more widespread on the Moon than previously thought. New readings from NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) indicate that molecular water (H2O) is present in the Clavius crater, one of the largest craters on the Moon.

5 mins

Covid-19: How Should We Count Deaths?

How can we calculate the true toll of the pandemic?

4 mins

UNIVERSE, SAY CHEESE!

IN A CALIFORNIA LAB, SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ARE PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO A COLOSSAL CAMERA THAT COULD CHANGE THE WAY WE VIEW THE COSMOS

5 mins

WHERE ARE THE ALIENS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM?

A FLEET OF MISSIONS IS SPREADING ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM TO INVESTIGATE OUR NEIGHBOURS FOR SIGNS OF LIFE. HERE’S WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR

10+ mins

IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS

The nights might be getting longer, but the internet is open and ready for business 24 hours a day. Is this a good thing?

2 mins

IN PRAISE OF ‘AWE' WALKS

Spending time outdoors is great for your health, but there’s an easy way to reap even better benefits

2 mins

SHOULD WE BE SIGNALLING OUR EXISTENCE TO ALIEN LIFE?

Astrobiologist and extraterrestrial researcher Dr Douglas Vakoch speaks to Sara Rigby about transmitting messages into the cosmos in the hope of finding intelligent extraterrestrial life

6 mins

WHY WE WANT TO BELIEVE...

Whether they’re tiny microbes or little green men, aliens never fail to capture our imagination. So why do they have such a hold on our collective psyche?

10 mins

THE EXPLAINER

WHAT WAS THE BIG BANG?

3 mins

How To Survive Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but let’s be honest, it can also be quite stressful. This month, clinical psychologist linda blair gives us her top tips on how to survive christmas

3 mins

Read all stories from BBC Science Focus

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.