New issue: The galaxies that shouldn't exist

New issue: The galaxies that shouldn't exist

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? There’s nothing better than uncovering the clues to crack a case. A missing button here, a crooked rug there, and does that painting look fake to you? But when it comes to solving the mysteries of the Universe, things are even more complicated. We may now have the James Webb Space Telescope at our disposal, but the more it shows us, the deeper these mysteries become. It’s shown us a surprising number of gigantic galaxies lurking in the oldest corners of the Universe. The trouble is, to reach the sizes we’re seeing, they must have formed earlier than we think is possible. As far as our understanding of cosmology is concerned, finding these galaxies is like finding someone murdered inside a locked room. Luckily, there's a team of astro-sleuths on the case, and they’re using all their deductive skills to explain why we’re finding so many of these very big, very old galaxies – and if they’re really as weird as they appear to be.

Holly Spanner

The front cover of issue 423 of BBC Science Focus

Fit at 40 (and beyond)

Think you're too old to get into shape? Think again. We've pulled together the best exercises you can do once you've levelled up past 40.

Find your purpose

We all need a raison d’être. It's good for us, providing positive benefits for both our physical and mental health. We take a deep dive into how to find your life's meaning.

Bird migrations

Where do birds find the energy to migrate across vast distances? Scientists are beginning to uncover the answers... answers that could one day help us supercharge our own bodies.

Hoarding

Hoarding is much more than just the accumulation of 'stuff'. It's a recognised psychological disorder and treating it requires more than just a good clear out.

Plus

  • Saving the honeybee: Pollinator insects do need help, but honeybees aren’t in as much trouble as you might think.
  • 4-day working weeks: The science is in! Four-day working weeks are better for your physical and mental health. Here's everything we know about what the research shows.
  • Q&A: Your questions answered. This month: Can animals play video games? Why does my eyelid randomly twitch? What do clubbed fingers mean? Could there be a time particle? Would I be healthier if I moved next to my golf course? Are breakfast cereals actually healthy? Should I ditch high-intensity interval training? Can chemicals in clothing mess with my hormones? What is the most dangerous fish to eat? Can any animals see in infrared? And more...

Issue 423 on sale Tuesday 19 August 2025

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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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