On sale date: 15th September 2016
Issue: 299
The next giant leap
If we want to explore beyond the Solar System, we’re going to need a bigger spaceship. So how’s that going to work?
Electric life forms that feed on pure energy
Discover the bizarre microbes that live underground and eat electricity.
The art of saving lives
Medical machines as you’ve never seen them before, thanks to the efforts of Austrian photographer Reiner Riedler.
The world’s first Roborace
Move over F1: the future of motorsport lies in fully autonomous, all-electric vehicles. Or at least, the organisers of this year’s inaugural Roborace are hoping it does.
360° headphones
If you’re serious about VR gaming, you’ll need a pair of cans that are up to the job. We test some of the latest models.
Understand… the end of the Universe
One day, it’ll all be over – and here’s how.
The future of zoos
Zoos: a cruel sideshow, or a vital resource in the quest to preserve Earth’s biodiversity?
Q&A
- Is sea-level rise accelerating?
- Could an asteroid knock Earth out of orbit?
- Can tonsils grow back?
Plus
Eye opener- Astounding pictures from around the planet.
Discoveries- This month’s most important scientific breakthroughs and discoveries.
Innovations- News from the world of technology.
Helen Czerski- Let’s hear it for the physics of clapping!
Robert Matthews- Are the days of huge, multimillion dollar science experiments like the LHC over?
Robin Ince- Are comedians’ brains wired differently from other people’s?
Out there- Cool science-y stuff to do. PLUS: Visit Oxford with Dame Frances Ashcroft.
The number games- Give your grey matter a workout.
My life scientific- With parapsychologist Caroline Watt.

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