BBC Science Focus Magazine February 2022

Are we alone in the Universe? It’s probably the most profound question science has yet to answer. But so far the search for extraterrestrial life has only found shadows. However, over the next few years the search for alien life is about to seriously ramp up. All being well, the most powerful telescope ever built, the James Webb Space Telescope, will start sending back images to Earth by the end of March. Its sensors and tech will let scientists take a closer look at Earth-like exoplanets than ever before. In 2023, the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile will open its shutters to survey the stars. This telescope will have largest camera of any ever built and will enable astronomers to map and catalogue the Universe in unprecedented detail. And a little…

The Doctor Will See You Now This new series presented by Kate Garraway (right) brings augmented reality into the doctor’s office. Patients journey through their own bodies using AR to help them better understand common medical conditions. BBC Two and iPlayer Check Radio Times for details Ramblings Across nine episodes, Clare Balding explores rambling routes around the UK and meets the people who take trekking to the next level. BBC Radio 4 Thursdays, 3pm Dynasties II Returning this month is the fantasti animal documentary Dynasties II, presented by Sir David Attenborough Four episodes will explore the remarkable lives of the elephant, cheetah, puma and hyena. BBC One Check Radio Times for details COVER: MAGIC TORCH THIS PAGE: BBC X2, ALAMY, DANIEL BRIGHT…

STEPHEN LANTIN Water bears are one of the toughest creatures on the planet, which is why Stephen wants to send a herd of them to interstellar space. → p26 DR STUART FARRIMOND Supermarkets are loaded with plant-based alternatives to meat, but are they any good for your health? Food scientist Stuart investigates. → p30 DR MICHELLE DROUIN Is modern life and tech driving us apart? Psychology professor Michelle examines the consequences of a loss of intimacy in everyday life. → p66 KIMBERLEY WILSON As a psychologist who’s worked in prisons and a Great British Bake Off finalist, Kimberley is the perfect person to explore how food and mental health is linked → p72 CONTACT US → Advertising David.DSouza@ourmedia.co.uk 0117 300 8110 → Letters for publication reply@sciencefocus.com → Editorial enquiries editorialenquiries@sciencefocus.com 0117 300 8755 → Subscriptions buysubscriptions.com/contactus 03330 162 113* → Other contacts sciencefocus.com/contact *UK calls will cost the same as other standard…

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Dinosaur embryo GANZHOU, CHINA Meet Baby Yingliang – a perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo. Discovered in Ganzhou, China, this incredible specimen is at least 66 million years old, and was likely preserved in such exquisite detail by a sudden mudslide that buried the egg. But what makes this specimen even more remarkable, is how the embryo is positioned. This baby oviraptorosaur (a type of theropod dinosaur) is in the same position as a chicken about to hatch, and it’s the first time this behaviour has been recognised in dinosaurs. Known as ‘tucking’, a chick will tuck their head under the right wing for stability, allowing them to crack open the shell with their beak. Curling up like this is critical for a successful emergence, as palaeontologist Prof Steve Brusatte explains: “This little prenatal dinosaur…

The augmented intelligence piece by Prof Peter Bentley (New Year, p72) focused on a very important issue – where are artificial intelligence and robotics heading towards, and what curbs and mechanisms should be put into place to control these technologies so that they don’t get out of hand. From designing effective vaccines to managing the financial markets, both AI and robotics have improved our world so far. However, we must not rest on our laurels. We need these technologies to be regulated so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands, thus causing untold damage. I strongly believe that science and technology are gifts, and they should be used for the betterment of humankind, not the destruction of life as we know it. An augmented approach led by good people…