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 179

Glowing beaches

Walking in space

When lightning strikes

Nerve break

Inside an anechoic chamber

Earth is getting hotter despite government pledges

The world’s most painful ant sting targets nerves like scorpion venom

A PENTAGON-FUNDED HYPERSONIC TEST VEHICLE COULD FLY IN 2024

An unearthed dinosaur could be a ‘missing link’

SCIENTISTS HAVE DISCOVERED HOW PHOTOSYNTHESIS STARTS

‘Reanimated’ hearts can be successfully transplanted

‘VIRGIN BIRTH’ RECORDED IN A CROCODILE FOR THE FIRST TIME

A lung cancer pill drastically cuts the risk of death after surgery

Clothes that grow with children are on display at the Spirit of Invention exhibition

Hundreds of ancient, invisible structures discovered near our galaxy’s centre

Fungi seem to ‘sweat’ to stay cool

THE PENTAGON CONFIRMS IT’S BUYING STARLINK SERVICES FOR UKRAINE

WISH LIST • The latest tech for SUMMER

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WHAT IF THERE WAS NO GRAVITY? • How this fundamental force controls the way things move on Earth and throughout the universe

GRAVITY BY NUMBERS

HOW DIALYSIS MACHINES WORK • These lifesaving devices take over the role of failing kidneys

POLICE TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED • How personal defence gadgets, tactical weapons and speedy smart vehicles assist those enforcing the law

WHERE DOES YOUR POO GO? • Following the flush, your body’s waste undergoes a long journey as it’s prepped to return safely to the environment

THE WORLD’S FARTHEST LEANING TOWER • Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate leans at more of an angle than Pisa’s famous landmark

WHY WE NEED FLIES • They’re some of the strangest and most reviled insects on the planet, but they’re also incredibly useful

INSIDE THE WOMB • Take a look inside the mammalian womb and discover how unborn cubs, kittens and calves grow

WHAT IS THE SMELL OF RAIN? • After rainfall, this distinctive aroma is released from the soil

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE • New from the makers of All About Space, this special edition reveals the science that governs our incredible universe and delves into the fascinating theories behind curious cosmic mysteries.

HOW FORMULA 1 RACING FORMED • Discover the groundbreaking developments that put motor racing in pole position

HOW ARE CARS RECYCLED? • Step into one of the UK’s largest car recycling centres to discover the secrets of a vehicle disassembly line

INSIDE A ROAD-PAVING MACHINE • How these specialised vehicles pave the way for smooth and long-lasting roads

Galileo’s GREATEST DISCOVERIES • Peer into the mind of this trailblazing astronomer and discover his pioneering observations

LIVING ON THE MOON • What would a lunar colony be like?

WHY JUPITER’S GREAT RED SPOT IS VANISHING • Jupiter’s complex weather system is sapping its famous red spot at an alarming rate. And scientists predict the feature could vanish within our lifetimes

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BRAINDUMP • Amazing answers to your curious questions

THE LIBRARY • The latest book releases for curious minds

BRAIN GYM • Give your brain a puzzle workout

RECREATE THE MOON’S PHASES • Build this Moon in a box to...