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 193 • “It’s expected that the first ‘AI antibiotics’ will emerge around 2030”

Rings of cosmic fire

GLOBAL EYE • Showcasing the incredible world we live in

WISH LIST • The latest BOARD GAMES

RISE OF THE SUPERBUGS • Bacteria, viruses and fungi are fighting back against our antibiotics. How can scientists defend us from these increasingly dangerous pathogens?

HOW OUR BRAINS DEVELOP • Why the way you think changes as your brain grows

DESIGNER MICROBES • How altering the genes of tiny microbes can make them produce insulin for diabetics, strengthen cement and even make street lights

UNCOVERING THE SECRETS OF POMPEII • How scientists unearthed an ancient Roman city, buried by a volcanic eruption that has rippled through time

HOW THE LORD OF THE RINGS CHANGED FICTION • The incredible history behind J. R. R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy book series

HOW CLOTHES ARE MADE • These mechanical methods and material mixtures combine to form your wardrobe

HOW COWS ARE MILKED • The modern-day machinery that’s industrialised an ancient practice

HOW IGLOOS ARE BUILT • These tessellated domes are designed to keep people warm, despite encasing them in snow

HOW THE WORLD’S DEEPEST HOLE WAS DUG • We’ve sent probes to the furthest corners of our Solar System, yet we’ve only scratched the surface of what lies beneath our feet

AMAZING WATER-SKATING E-BIKE • This hydrofoil electric bike propels you over the water using motorised pedal power

FUTURE SPACE STATIONS • As the International Space Station approaches the end of its working life, NASA is looking at what might come next

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE? • Test your botanical brain in our edible plant quiz as you explore common plant confusions

THE STRANGE LIFE OF A SEAHORSE • Discover the many ways that seahorses are weirder than most other fish

THE HUNT FOR STRANGE BEASTS • New genetic testing techniques are disproving many claims about mythical beasts. But they’re also providing some intriguing discoveries…

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