How much protein do you really need? Too much or too little can be harmful

Does anyone else think we’ve all become a bit too protein-obsessed? Once upon a time, we got our protein from meat, fish, dairy and pulses. Now it seems like every consumable product comes loaded with it — from energy bars to protein-packed cereals and baked goods. I’m surprised no one’s thought of stirring it into […]

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​The contagion scale: which diseases spread fastest?

When the COVID pandemic hit, many people turned to the eerily prescient film Contagion (2011) for answers – or at least for catharsis. Suddenly, its hypothetical plot felt all too real. Applauded for its scientific accuracy, the film offered more than suspense – it offered lessons. One scene in particular stands out. Kate Winslet’s character […]

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Just back from holiday and not feeling well? Here are the symptoms you should take seriously

Summer is synonymous with adventure, with millions flocking to exotic destinations to experience different cultures, cuisines and landscapes. But what happens when the souvenir you bring back isn’t a fridge magnet or a tea towel, but a new illness? International travel poses a risk of catching something more than a run-of-the-mill bug, so it’s important […]

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How the brain can miraculously switch off pain

Picture by Jack FotoVerse/Shutterestock In the second world war, the physician Henry Beecher observed that some of his soldier patients, despite being injured on the battlefield, required no strong painkillers to manage their pain. In some cases, the injury was as severe as losing part of a limb. A truly remarkable phenomenon had come into […]

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