Cells

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Our bodies contain some 30 trillion cells, and in the August issue of BBC Focus magazine we explore a new project aims to map the molecular signature of every single one.

Also in this issue:

Impressive events and activities to activate your wanderlust…
Could out-of-body experiences be the key to unlocking the mysteries of consciousness?
We celebrate the story of Voyager and its 40-year quest to explore the outer Solar System

When we die, does our whole body die at the same time? (Getty)

When we die, does our whole body die at the same time?

After death, your cells and organs can remain alive for longer than you would think.

Nano-stethoscope can listen to individual cells © Rhett S. Miller/UC Regents

Nano-stethoscope can listen to individual cells

The tiny device could help to detect cancer at a cellular level.

What happens to lost body fat when we lose weight? (Getty)

What happens to lost body fat when we lose weight?

Breaking down body fat doesn’t sound nearly as effective as feeling the burn.

Why don’t living things rot? (iStock)

Why don’t living things rot?

Rotting bodies are reserved to horror movies, aren't they?

Losing weight might be scuppered by your fat cells

Fat cells in your body might be sneakily thwarting your efforts to lose weight, according to research published in Nature Communications earlier this month.

If our body cells are replaced, why do we age?

How long is your DNA? (Getty)

How long is your DNA?

The DNA inside each of your cells is longer than you are, but packs down into a space smaller than you can see.

What causes the diverse colouring of bruises? (Getty)

What causes the diverse colouring of bruises?

Red-green algae and fine white 'beards' of bacterial mat cover the lava blocks 200 meters underwater, a rare overlap of the chemosynthetic and photosynthetic communities. © Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images

What could the first-ever living organism have used for food?

What happens to cells in our bodies when they die?

Why are stem cells taken from the umbilical cord? (iStock)

Why are stem cells taken from the umbilical cord?

Stem cells are unspecialised cells that have the capacity to develop into more specialised cells, such as skin, blood or liver cells.

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