CONTENTS REGULARS 06 EYE OPENER The best science images from around the world. 12 FEEDBACK A selection of the physical and electronic mail that has arrived this month. 15 DISCOVERIES All the month’s biggest news, including: Hearing aids reduce the risk of death by almost 25 per cent; Photosynthesis without plants could make life on Mars possible; Daytime fatigue sleep disorder could be affecting millions; Genius dogs know tens of toys by name; and more… 26 PROF STEPHON ALEXANDER A journey from superconductivity to jazz improvisation highlights the unexpected possibilities of interdisciplinary science exploration. 46 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Get 3 i s sues f or £5 and have ever y i s sue deli vered to your door when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus. 28 VICTORIA GILL Amid today’s eco-anxiety, inspiring discoveries are continuously being made, such as ‘ floating fuel factories’ based on a r t i f ic i a l le ave s . 30 PROF GILES YEO Your ‘desser t stomach’ is an evolutionary holdover f rom your ances tor s ’ day s on the Serengeti. 32 REALITY CHECK The science behind the headlines: The COVID inquiry – what did we le a rn? ; Dengue f ever – a possible solution; Dream tech – a headband to induce lucid dreaming. 39 INNOVATIONS The hottest trends shaking up the tech world. 78 Q & A Our experts answer your questions. This month: Is the Moon shrinking?; Why do cats wiggle before they pounce? Why is the pink lake in Australia pink? And more… 89 CROSSWORD Engage your grey matter! 89 NEXT MONTH A sneak peek at the ne x t i s sue. 90 BETTER LIVING THROUGH SCIENCE Dry January is a good star t . But there’s a reason why a drier February to December would be better for everyone’s health. 4 15 DISCOVERIES 32 REALITY CHECK Hearing aids could help you live a longer and fuller life, according to recen t re s ea rch. The COVID Inquiry: What did we learn about the UK’s response to the pandemic? 78 Q&A