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 209

Global eye

GLOBAL EYE • Showcasing the incredible world we live in

WISH LIST • MOVIE NIGHT GADGETS

OUR ROBOT FUTURE • How will automatons transform our world? We take a look at the latest smart silicon mechanoids, from quirky companions to tireless workers and frontline fighters

NEXT-GEN VR HEADSETS • As virtual and augmented reality become more advanced and widespread, we explore how this innovative technology is used today, and how it will change tomorrow

SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS • How intense heat and steam are generated in these hot therapy rooms

CATHEDRAL CONSTRUCTION • How some of the world’s grandest church buildings were built

HOW GRAMOPHONES PLAYED MUSIC • These devices made recorded music accessible, portable and collectable

HOW ‘DE-EXTINCTION’ WORKS • Can we really bring back long-extinct animals, or are scientists just making close copies?

WHAT IS NAPALM? • This weaponised, gel-like substance is an incendiary that burns and adheres to surfaces

WHAT IS DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION? • This clever device works like a pacemaker for the brain

IS OUR UNIVERSE THE ONLY ONE? • Might our universe – as vast as it is – be simply one of many? We look at the growing evidence that there’s more than one cosmos out there

SUNGLINT EXPLAINED • This phenomenon turns seas and other large bodies of water into a mirror-like surface

EARTH’S HIDDEN MOONS • While our planet only has one easily visible Moon, several other tiny objects arguably deserve the title too

HOW TO BUILD THREE ICONIC ROCKETS • Lift off into the world of model-making while celebrating these legends of spaceflight

RECORD-BREAKING VEHICLES • Meet the biggest, fastest and most formidable vessels and vehicles in the world

HOW ANIMALS DIGEST FOOD • From mouth to manure, the journeys animals’ meals go on can be very different to human digestion

AIR POLLUTION UNCOVERED • Chemicals and particles in our atmosphere can have a catastrophic impact on animals, plants and humans. But what are the causes of air pollution?

WHAT ARE PYROCLASTIC FLOWS? • Aside from lava, a volcano’s explosive power can release a devastating avalanche of searing ash

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