With accessible features illustrated with the world’s best photography, BBC Focus Magazine explains the theory behind scientific phenomena and really brings science to life. In every issue you’ll find news of the latest major scientific developments, a lively Q&A section plus exclusive and astonishing photographic reports that range from the breathtaking to the downright odd.

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ON THE BBC THIS MONTH…

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BOLD NEW PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF SPACE EXPLORATION • The plans include landing the first woman on the lunar surface, establishing a space station in orbit around the Moon, and returning samples of Martian rock to Earth

Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog, the Royal Veterinary College warns • Chihuahuas, pugs, French bulldogs and British bulldogs are more likely to suffer from health problems than other breeds

Meet Magawa, the landmine-detecting rat who has been awarded a medal for bravery

Megalodon truly was a monster shark

A material based on bug shells could be perfect for building tools and shelters on Mars

Ancient Persians were the first to make chromium steel

In numbers

Genome of Alexander Fleming’s origin penicillin mould sequenced • The research may help in the fight against antibiotic resistance

New £1 hearing aid could help millions to hear more clearly

Rats’ teamwork skills put to the test

COVID-19 is making its way into our nightmares, a study of lockdown dreams has found

Neanderthal genes could increase the severity of COVID-19 symptoms • DNA inherited from Neanderthals 50,000 years ago seems to be linked to an increased risk of falling ill from the coronavirus

2020 Drone Photo Awards announced • The competition is part of the 6th Siena Awards Festival, which is being held at Siena’s Accademia dei Fisiocritici – one of Italy’s oldest science museums – from 24 October to 29 November

Two fingers good, three fingers bad

Pre-pandemic study shows more than half of us want more physical contact • A global study has revealed our attitudes towards interpersonal touch, reminding us of its importance during times of social distancing

PLUG-IN HYBRID CARS: ARE THEY REALLY THE ECO-FRIENDLY CHOICE? • A study has found that plug-in hybrids actually emit more than 2.5 times as much CO2 as tests claimed. So, are they worth having?

LONG COVID: JUST HOW COMMON IS IT? • Some COVID-19 patients are reporting symptoms long past their two-week quarantine. What do we know about people experiencing chronic fatigue and breathlessness months after their COVID-19 diagnosis?

COVID-19: IS IT MUTATING? • A number of media outlets reported that the coronavirus is mutating. Is it a cause for concern?

INNOVATIONS • PREPARE YOURSELF FOR TOMORROW

Alexa, can you read my mind? • Amazon reveals its vision for a smart home that knows what you need without having to ask… now with indoor drones

Best smart speakers • Do you need a smart speaker? No. Should you get one? Totally. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy picks her favourites

What you need to know…

The options…

IT’S A SLUG’S GAME • SEA SLUGS SPORT SOME OF NATURE’S MOST UNREAL ADAPTATIONS, INCLUDING SOLAR-POWERED SKIN AND DISPOSABLE PENISES. WELCOME TO THEIR WEIRD WORLD

WHY (NEARLY) EVERYTHING YOU’VE BEEN TOLD ABOUT YOUR DIET IS WRONG • We all know that fat is bad for you and veganism is super-healthy, right? Not necessarily. Read on as we bust some of the biggest, most-enduring food myths…

BATTLING THE WINTER BLUES • Many of us suffer from low mood when the nights...