‘Deciding what to eat is a tricky business’
Jeremy Laurance says there are mysteries of the human heart that not even a doctor can solve.
New way to cut breast cancer death risk
For 20 years there has been a standard way to treating breast cancer. That may now change. . .
Ten years after SARS, we have Mers
So far Mers has proved less infectious than SARS - but for how long?
Need an op? Have it on a Monday
It’s common knowledge that one should avoid falling sick on a weekend. But things are worse than that. . .
Is cure for back pain all it's cracked up to be?
People with chronic lower-back pain may be suffering from an infection treatable with antibiotics, it has been claimed.
Teen develops dipstick test for cancer
This could be the first early test for pancreatic cancer - devised by a 15-year-old. . .
The Cuban diet: eat less, exercise more
In a unique natural experiment, researchers have observed how a nation lost weight - and halved deaths.
Do you want to join the 100 club?
We seem to be cracking the secret of how to live to 100 - but do we want to, asks Jeremy Laurance.
Take a hike to boost your brain
Time spent away from electronic gadgets can stimulate creative abilities, a study has found.
‘Fragrances are a key cause of allergies’
The scientist who investigated the toxicity of chemicals used in fragrances has hit back at statements by perfume houses.
Drug industry in ‘crisis’
Pharmaceutical industry accused of neglecting innovation.
Nature, nurture... or neither?
Research has demonstrated that genes can change, and that environmental influences can be passed down the generations.
Calcium pills 'can raise heart attack risk'
Calcium supplements taken to strengthen bones may be doing more harm than good, research suggests.
Millions at risk as malaria drug loses potency
Tests on the border between Thailand and Burma show that the most deadly form of the malaria parasite has developed resistance to artemesinin.
The six million dollar question
The rapid advance of bionic research is raising concerns that meddling with the brain could change people's personalities.
Lonely? Shy? Now you're 'mentally ill', too
Mild eccentricsc ould find themselves diagnosed with a mental disorder if proposals to add new conditions to the world's most widely used psychiatric bible go ahead, ...
Sex and the guppy
Can the behaviour of our aquatic ancestors teach us anything about human relations?
Antibiotics our last line of defence?
‘Nightmare scenario’ as overuse of antibiotics breeds resistant superbugs.
Experts discover key to Elephant Man’s disfigurement
A century after the death of the Elephant Man scientists believe they may have solved the puzzle of what caused his condition.
Have we found the Holy Grail of drugs?
A once-a-day pill that can prevent HIV was hailed by researchers as two studies showed it could provide up to 73 percent protection against the disease.
Lipo fat returns within a year
Liposuction is the quickest way to slender thighs and a pert behind - but does it work in the long term? Researchers have an unexpected answer. . .
Recycled packaging sparks health fears
The cereal packet on your breakfast table could be a health hazard, say experts.
Debate 'ethical market' in human organs
We need to confront the reality that an international market in body parts exists and poor countries are being targeted, writes Jeremy Laurance.