Challenging Worlds

From shimmering sapphire waterfalls to rain made of lava, these distant planets redefine the boundaries of possibility. Discover ten exoplanets that are overturning the Cosmic Rulebook.

Surgical Scratches No More

While still in the womb, we all have the ability to heal without scars… yet we’ve never experienced birth. Outside the uterus, healing comes at the cost of scars, which serve as painful reminders of past injuries. Currently, researchers are exploring methods for achieving scar-free healing.

Ancestral Journeys

Our forebears encountered and mingled with more diverse groups than previously thought during their migrations from Africa. As Homo sapiens spread across the globe, they explored more broadly than earlier estimates indicated. Recent findings are painting a richer, more complex picture of our early human history.

Hearing Loss and Dementia

Research is increasingly highlighting potential connections between hearing loss and dementia. Addressing hearing loss can bring significant advantages, delving into how it influences the risk of dementia development.

Additionally

• Gene-Edited Foods: GMO pork has been approved in the U.S. Here’s what you need to understand.
• Strategies for Longevity: From intermittent fasting to low-protein diets, emerging research is shedding light on dietary restrictions as pivotal to a longer life.
• Q&A: Your questions answered! This month: Why do dogs enjoy playing with trash? Should I try a banana facial? How much of our lives do we spend blinking? What will the future of space exploration look like? Can anything on Earth endure conditions like those on Mars? What’s the most unusual satellite in the universe? How do you determine when to move on from past aspirations? Why is there an increase in ADHD diagnoses among women nearing menopause? And more…

Issue 422 Launching Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

Don’t forget that BBC Science Focus is also available on all major digital platforms. You can find it on Android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-readers, as well as on the iOS App for iPad and iPhone.