The Future of Us

In this month's Focus, find out about the new science that's revealing how evolution is far from finished when it comes to human beings.

Published: October 16, 2013 at 11:00 pm

On sale date: 17th October 2013

Issue: 261

The Future of Us

Evolution. The four-billion-year journey that brought us from the primordial pond to civilization, picking up brains, a backbone and opposable thumbs along the way. An unimaginably slow journey that ends right here. Or does it? In this month'sFocus, find out about the new science that's revealing how evolution is far from finished when it comes to human beings.

The Enemy Within

Our immune system helps the body to defend itself against viruses, bacteria and a whole host of other nasties. But sometimes, things can go drastically wrong. Susannah Cahalan explores the science of autoimmunity and reveals what can make the body attack the brain - a condition that has affected her and thousands of others.

All Aboard the Future Express

Millions of people around the world travel to work by train, but if technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has his way, tube travel will take on a whole new meaning. We look at Musk's proposed Hyperloop - a supersonic system that would transport people from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 35 minutes - as well as four other radical trains of the future.

Also inside this issue:

Britain's alien quest: The project that's set to renew the search for ET

Weather warning: Can our past climate predict the future?

3D printers: The latest models reviewed and rated

Desmond Morris: The zoologist and painter on the evolution of art

Plus

How Do We Know:The theory of evolution?

Q&A:What next for Voyager 1?

MegaPixel:Awe-inspiring images from the world of science

Tech Hub:The glasses that go beyond augmented reality

To Do List:Jim Al-Khalili's new BBC seriesLight And Dark

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