FROM THE EDITOR
In September, the IPCC released its report on the state of our oceans. Compiled from thousands of studies, it made grim reading. Together with the cryosphere, the blue parts of our planet have been absorbing most of the heat and CO2 we’ve been generating since the Industrial Revolution. And we’re set to witness the consequences.
Overfishing, rising sea levels and acidic water
conditions have led to empty fishing nets, receding shorelines and barren reefs that are ruining livelihoods that depend on the coast. But the report made one thing clear: there’s no escaping the consequences of an ocean that’s getting hotter. Warmer seas will whip up more floods, cyclones and hurricanes. And extreme weather patterns are likely to leave droughts in their wake. Fortunately, there is something to be optimistic about. If governments can limit the CO2 we create, the worst consequences can be avoided. And if the scientists on p48 have anything to do about it, there might still be a blue planet for the next generation to enjoy.
Plus, we’ve listened to your feedback and have brought back the Innovations section (p42) and revamped Radar (p98). Let us know what you think!
Daniel Benne , Editor
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ON THE BBC THIS MONTH...
Why are lemons yellow and limes green? p95
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CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS
HELEN SCALES Helen, a marine biologist, science writer and broadcaster, takes a look at some of the pioneering projects that might just save the oceans. p48
ADAM PEARSON Is human selective breeding a thing of the past, or is it making a comeback through prenatal genetic testing? Disability activist Adam talks about the terrifying history, and future, of eugenics. p60
GINNY SMITH Ginny presents the British Psychological Society’s podcast PsyCrunch, which looks at how psychology research makes a dif ference to everyday life. This issue, we’ve asked her to investigate what keeps sleep scientists up at night. p78
HAYLEY BENNETT To kick off our new What if… ? series, science writer Hayley imagines a world in which fashion no longer exists. p83
T O R C H
I C
: M A G
C O V E R
The Life Scientific Jim Al-Khalili chats to neuroscientist and DeepMind co-founder, Demis Hassabis (pictured), for the 200th episode of The Life Scientific. 5 November, BBC Radio 4
Seven Worlds, One Planet Sir David A enborough returns with a new series on the seven continents that make up planet Earth. 27 October, BBC One (Available on iPlayer)
All In The Mind Dr Adam Kay, author of This Is Going to Hurt, and occupation health psychologist Prof Gail Kinman, discuss what makes a workplace stressful and what can be done about it , with presenter Claudia Hammond (pictured). BBC Radio 4 (Check Radio Times for details) (Check Radio Times for details)
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