New issue: Lost in Space

New issue: Lost in Space

Imagine having access to a time machine. You could experience historical events first-hand – and finally get to the bottom of all manner of mysteries. Although we can’t travel back in time physically, with a good telescope – like the James Webb Space Telescope – we can essentially see back in time. That’s almost as good, right? Take, for example, the very first stars, which formed around 100-200 million years after the Big Bang. Their sudden appearance set the stage for the Universe we see today, triggering a chain reaction that’s still occurring. And by uncovering the oldest objects in the cosmos and examining their unique makeup, we can retrace the chemistry and physics of creation. Those first stars should be easy to spot thanks to their special compositions, and stellar archaeologists (a cool job title, if I’ve ever heard one) have been seeking them for a long time. But as Dr Emma Chapman explains in this issue, the reason we haven’t found them yet could be because we've not been looking for the right things. What we have found, is that so-called 'ancient stars' aren’t behaving quite as we expected. So far, our search into the deep past has raised more questions than answers.

Holly Spanner

The front cover of issue 427 of BBC Science Focus magazine

Megatsunamis

A megatsunami could hit the US coast at any moment, and experts are warning that cities are drastically underprepared. Here's everything we know about the next big one to strike the Pacific Northwest.

Social anxiety

Scientists are finding that social anxiety is more rooted in our biology than previously thought; it's not just psychological. And because it has biological roots, there are ways to help us overcome it as we head into the season of catch-ups and parties.

Protect yourself from the winter flu

The festive season can wreak havoc on our immune systems, so it’s important to keep in mind the natural cycles that govern it. Combine the cold and dark of winter with the indulgence of December, and you have the ideal conditions for illness to strike. But there are ways to bolster your body’s defences ahead of the onslaught – ways that rely on science’s evolving understanding of our immune system.

Near-death experiences

By studying those who have suffered from near-death experiences, researchers are beginning to piece together what happens in our brains at the very end. As it turns out, our brains have a remarkable capacity to protect us in our final moments, allowing us to cross peacefully without fear. And that's comforting.

Plus

  • Superagers: Experts are keen to find patterns among ‘superagers’ that could clue us in to the secret of eternal memory. While there are many genetic and lifestyle factors to consider, one common trait among superagers is beginning to stand out, and it’s something we can all practice over the festive season.
  • Christmas gift guide: The totally unapologetic, self-indulgent Christmas gift guide for techies this season.
  • Q&A: Your questions answered. This month, you want to know: Do any animals use other animals for sport? Can I swallow my tongue? Why are there marine fossils at the top of Mount Everest? Are board games good for the brain? How can I be more persuasive? How difficult would it be to fly through the asteroid belt? How unlikely is our Universe? What would happen if I got eaten by a python? How will the Moon moving away from Earth affect us?

Issue 427 on sale Tuesday 9 December 2025

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Author avatar

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.
Issue 427 of BBC Science Focus is on sale 9 December 2025

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