BBC Knowledge - June 2015

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While growing up, I got tired of hearing how
a bit of dust and grime is good for my health,
and how important it is to build up that fort
called immunity. And I remember those sour
vegetables, bland yogurts, and other, very awful
nameless edible things I had to eat, forced
upon me by my folks, which I am trying to
force upon my 9-year-old now. You and I and
millions after us, will have to endure all of
these distastes for a greater purpose - to keep
our stomach/gut/intestines balanced and happy.
Which is the focus of this month’s cover story. Nicola Davis
writes about how new research is suggesting that our gut and the
bacteria it decides to play host to dictate not just the distribution of
nutrients in the body but also affects our demeanour, stress levels
and disposition. And that communication between the brain and
the gut can go both ways. Do read on page 34.
In other pages, we cover history’s two most powerful personalities
- Caeser and Hitler - both dictators. Of course we all know who
killed Caeser. It was Brutus and Cassius but what we don’t know
is that the brains behind the deceit were someone else’s. Find out
the plot and who the bigger villain was on page 30. In another
must–read essay, the famous biographer Ian Kershaw explores the
enduring enigma of Hitler and the devastating but unique impact
he had on his people, and the world. On page 62.
The rest of the issue has got the good stuff too. Enjoy NASA’s
new mission, experience the animals of the Namib Desert, and
explore newer technologies that seem set to address the issue of
climate change.
When you are done reading, we would love to hear your
worldview and your feedback. Write in your letters to
edit.bbcknowledge@wwm.co.in.
Cheers