National Geographic, formerly the National Geographic Magazine, is the official journal of the National Geographic Society. It published its first issue in 1888, just nine months after the Society itself was founded. It is immediately identifiable by the characteristic yellow frame that surrounds its front cover.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
JANUARY 2010 · VOL. 217 . NO. 1
A Better Life With Bionics 34 The blind can see, a one-armed woman can fold her shirts.
By Josh Fischman Photographs by Mark Thiessen
Sublime Scottish Islands 54 Some call the Hebrides bleak. They're not paying attention.
By Lynne Warren Photographs by Jim Richardson
Asia's Wildlife Trade 78 Demand for pets and medicines drives illegal trafficking.
By aryan Christy Photographs by Mark Leong
Restless Spirits 108 In modern-day China, the dead still make demands.
By Peter Hessler Photographs by Ira Block
Befriending Nemo 120 Clownfish captivate moviegoers, scientists-and anemones.
By James Prosek Photographs by David Doubiler
The Singapore Solution 132 The "minister mentor" wields a big carrot and a big stick.
By Mark Jacobson Photographs by David McLain
CONSERVATION
Backing Big Cats
The NGS Big Cats Initiative aims to keep top
felines from sliding toward extinction
SPAce
Wanted: Moon Rocks
NASA has a cache. Samples are sold on
eBay. Then there's the black market.
HEALTH
The Cost of Care
Which count ry leads the world in health
care spending per person?
