Science Illustrated

Science Illustrated delivers natural science, break through discoveries and an understanding of the world for the entire family. Packed with stunning photography and in-depth editorial it’s a visually spectacular gateway to the world looking into the beginning of life to distant objects in the universe.

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Science Illustrated

Leaf landscape: an extreme close-up reveals oak details

Stork stalking: eagle’s surprise attack steals fish

Mini ‘brains’ made in a lab develop eyes • German scientists have manipulated lab-made mini ‘brains’ into developing the first stages of eyes – and vision systems.

Mars base could be built on blood, sweat, and… urine • Substances from astronauts’ own bodies can be used as binders that convert Mars dust into strong concrete.

Zigzagging jet stream could drown Scandinavia • Global warming is forcing the high-altitude wind phenomenon north, potentially shifting weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere.

Crocodile eats dinosaur! • Neutron imaging of delicate fossils reveals what an ancient crocodile had for dinner.

Tropical sea cucumbers in trouble from over-harvesting • A delicacy on the table, but critical for ocean ecosystems.

The world’s biggest drone to launch satellites • In its heaviest version so far, the Ravn X giant drone could create a new route to space and allow new drone-based freight services down here on Earth.

Toilet-trained cows could protect the planet • To reduce pollution from cow excrement, scientists are developing a way to persuade cows into using a toilet.

Vaccine patch is better than needles • A patch with tiny needles coated in vaccine could replace future injections.

Who discovered America? (Hint: it’s not Columbus.) • Well-preserved footprints prove that humans conquered America 7000 years earlier than thought – and that it probably happened by boat.

How much air pollution is space tourism creating? • Several companies allow ordinary people to become ‘space tourists’, paying to travel into space. But will all the extra rocket launches for space tourism create a marked rise in air pollution?

TOP 5 · Which animal collects most food? • Many animals collect supplies during the warm seasons to see them through winter. But which collect the most?

Is the noise from wind turbines unhealthy? • Turbine noise itself shouldn’t make people ill, provided the turbines are at sufficient distance. But its continuous nature and the additional element of visual pollution may have ill effects.

Could you photograph an exoplanet directly? • Is it possible to photograph planets orbiting alien stars?

What is a neuromorphic camera?

How deep underground can we build and live? • How deep into the ground is it possible to build and stay? And what are the challenges?

Can carbon capture help clean up ‘dirty’ industries? • Carbon capture and storage has been included in the figures for some environmental plans, including those in Australia, before the technology even exists.

…killer whales hunt blue whales? • Only in 2019 did scientists first record killer whales hunting and killing an adult blue whale.

SPACEPORTS ARE MOVING TO THE OCEAN • The classic image of a rocket launch is from a dry launchpad. But aerospace companies are realising the advantages of launching from the ocean. Modified drilling rigs will make aerospace safer and cheaper – and perhaps take us on holiday at unprecedented speeds.

Ships and drilling rigs will become rocket bases • Both private aerospace companies and China’s national space agency are investigating the advantages of launching space rockets from the ocean. Floating platforms can also be used for landings so that rocket parts can be...