How It Works

Welcome to How It Works, the magazine that explains everything you never knew you wanted to know about the world we live in. Loaded with fully illustrated guides and expert knowledge, and with sections dedicated to science, technology, transportation, space, history and the environment, no subject is too big or small for How It Works to explain.

WELCOME Issue 192 • “The torches are made of scrap metal from cars and household appliances”

Frozen lava flows

GLOBAL EYE • Showcasing the incredible world we live in

WISH LIST • The latest tech for SUMMER

AMAZING OLYMPIC INNOVATIONS • The 2024 Summer Olympics comes with an array of inspired inventions, from performance-enhancing footwear to AI-powered judges

HOW AEROPLANE ESCAPE HATCHES WORK • Discover the engineering that allows an entire commercial aircraft to be evacuated in under two minutes

CONSPIRACY THEORIES DEBUNKED • Arm yourself with logic and science to avoid falling foul of these mistruths

HOW MAGICIANS PERFORM TRICKS • Breaking the spell to reveal the workings behind some of the greatest illusions in history

DETECTING THE DARK UNIVERSE • Observations tell us dark matter and dark energy exist, but how do you find something you can’t see or feel?

SOLAR POWER FROM SPACE • SpaceX’s Starship could pave the way to a new kind of solar power

COULD WE BUILD… FALLOUT’S VAULT 33? • Do we have the technology to build self-sustaining nuclear bunkers, just like in the post-apocalyptic series?

MAKING CANDY FLOSS • How fairground machines spin sugar into delicious wispy strands

WHAT IS A SIM CARD? • Meet the computer chip inside your smart device that keeps you connected

Cooking CHEMISTRY • Step into the culinary laboratory of food science and molecular gastronomy

HOW TO OPERATE ON THE BRAIN • The procedures and surgical techniques that tackle problems inside your skull

HOW ANIMALS LIVE IN EXTREMES • Surviving in some of the world’s harshest environments is tough, but not for these robust species

HOW KANGAROOS BOUNCE • These marsupial mammals spring effortlessly across the Australian continent using specially adapted limbs

BRAINDUMP • Amazing answers to your curious questions

THE LIBRARY • The latest book releases for curious minds

BRAIN GYM • Give your brain a puzzle workout

HOW TO… • Practical projects to try at home

INBOX • Speak your mind

How It Works

FAST FACTS • Amazing trivia that will blow your mind