BBC Knowledge June 2017

The viruses that made

us human

HIV, flu, and chicken pox. Viruses

are horrible, right? Not necessarily —

in fact, many may have shaped

our genes and evolution

The red planet

Find out how our depiction of Mars

as a planet was and is often influenced

by our current political climate

Battling beetles

Learn more about stag beetles and how

to conserve these endangered species

Features

Contents

NASA, 123RF,BOEING, SHUTTERSTOCK, ALJEANDRO PIETRO

56

78

82

62

66

71

Cover story

Life after man

Many experts believe that our days on

Earth are numbered. We take a look at

how the planet will change in the days,

months and years following our demise

40

Can you supercharge

your brain?

Brain expert Rita Carter takes a look

at the methods that can make you

smarter

The great pretender

Find out how PT Barnum successfully

monetised a flair for outrageous

stunts and hoaxes

Great Indian authors:

Mahasweta Devi

Urvashi Butalia chronicles the life

and work of Mahasweta Devi,

who balanced the dual roles

of feminist and writer