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 222

Global eye

GLOBAL EYE • Showcasing the incredible world we live in

WISH LIST • WARMING WINTER GADGETS

HOW DO THEY MAKE TOOTHPASTE STRIPEY? • INGENIOUS ENGINEERING SECRETS BEHIND EVERYDAY PRODUCTS

HOW PATRIOT MISSILES INTERCEPT THREATS • This dependable missile defence system has been in use since the Gulf War over 30 years ago

INSIDE AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ROBOT • XPENG’s humanoid robot caught the eye thanks to its eerie humanlike movement. What can it be used for?

WHAT IS A VOCODER? • How a military communication tool became a distinctive robotic sound in popular music

ALL ABOUT METEOR SHOWERS • Explore the science and history behind astronomy’s most dazzling light displays, complete with essential practical tips for your next stargazing adventure

EXPLORE A SPACECRAFT GRAVEYARD • Why many large satellites end their lives on the floor of the remote South Pacific Ocean

WHAT IS EVOLUTION? • For billions of years, life on Earth has been transforming. But what’s calling the shots?

WHAT DID DINOSAURS SOUND LIKE? • Despite what you see on TV and in movies, dinosaur calls may have been more about hissing and hooting than roaring and screaming

WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES? • From keeping your heartbeat steady to moving your muscles and firing nerves, electrolytes are behind your body’s most essential processes

HOW THEY READ YOUR YOUR MIND • Advertisers constantly try to influence our choices. But now they’re delving into our minds to understand exactly what makes us spend our money

WHY TONGUE TWISTERS ARE SO TRICKY • The role your tongue plays in speech, and how it ‘trips’ over certain phrases

WHAT IF… THE GUNPOWDER PLOT HAD SUCCEEDED? • The attempt to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament on 5 November 1605 was scuppered only in the last few days. Had it succeeded, it would have rippled across world history

AMAZING RIVER DISCOVERIES • The treasures, wreckages and remains revealed on river and lake beds by severe heatwaves and droughts

DRIVING ON ALL FOURS • Why putting power behind every wheel of a vehicle makes easy work of off-roading

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