New issue: How to catch a liar

We’re terrible at spotting liars. Instinctively, we think we know when someone is lying to us, and sometimes we’re right, but just as often we misread the cues. So will we ever be able to definitively catch a liar? Well, it turns out we might. And you can find out exactly how in this issue.

Issue 397 of BBC Science Focus magazine is out 12 October 2023

Holly Spanner

Published: October 12, 2023 at 7:00 am
The cover of issue 397 of BBC Science Focus magazine

Ghost particles of the Milky Way

Find out how a giant ice cube and an elusive subatomic particle are helping to usher in a new era of astronomy.

Rescue bots

Meet the robots who'll come to your aid when you're stuck in the places other people can't reach.

Monster science

Tales of fantastical beasts and supernatural beings are as old as human history. From werewolves and vampires to yetis and deep-sea monsters, mythical creatures have inspired countless folk tales and works of culture – not to mention some elaborate hoaxes. So where do all these monster myths come from?

COVID-19

Are COVID boosters enough to prevent a winter spike in infections? And can the booster programme provide sufficient protection against new variants?

Plus

  • Space: As Psyche embarks on its journey to the heavy metal world, thought to be a partial core from a planetesimal, it’s hoped the mission will give scientists new insights into how planets like Earth form.
  • Weight loss with Prof Giles Yeo: Cycling from Lands End to John o'Groats shows how it takes more than exercise to shed any extra pounds you may be carrying.
  • Orcas with Victoria Gill: Ascribing to any sort of intent to animals to explain their behaviour is dangerous - especially when we don't know what they're thinking.

Issue 397 on sale 12 October 2023

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Holly Spanner

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.
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