Category: Health

Master1305/Shutterstock For much of the 20th century, scientists believed that the adult human brain was largely fixed. According to this view, the brain developed during childhood, settled into a stable form in early adulthood, and then resisted meaningful change for the rest of life. Today, the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change its […]

Toa55/Shutterstock.com You’re relaxing on the sofa when suddenly your eyelid starts twitching. Or perhaps it’s a muscle in your arm, your leg, or your foot that begins to spasm – sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes for hours or even days. It’s an unsettling sensation that affects about 70% of people at some point in […]

Miridda/Shutterstock For some women, pregnancy is a time of profound loss. Not all pregnancies progress as expected. One serious complication is ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which a fertilised egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. The uterus is the only organ designed to stretch, supply blood and safely support a developing pregnancy. When implantation […]

Cleansing is an important part of any skincare routine. leungchopan/ Shutterstock Cleansing has long been an important part of hygiene rituals across cultures. Nowadays, cleansing remains an essential part of daily skincare routines, helping to remove sweat, makeup and old skin cells. But with skincare routines becoming more and more extensive (and expensive), it can […]

3dMediSphere/Shutterstock.com Scabies cases are surging across the UK and Europe. The tiny mites that cause it spread easily through skin contact, making children, young adults and elderly people particularly vulnerable. Effective treatments are available, but myths and stigma are getting in the way of proper control. What is scabies and how do people catch it? […]

pimpampix/Shutterstock Few medicines have sparked as much debate as statins. Cardiologists often describe them as life-saving, while some patients remain wary of side effects or uneasy about taking a daily pill. Statins sit at the intersection of medical treatment and everyday lifestyle because high cholesterol is strongly influenced by factors such as diet, physical activity, […]

Media_Photos/Shutterstock From festive sauces to brightly coloured juices, cranberries have long been part of our diets. Beyond their tart flavour and seasonal appeal, these red berries are often described as a superfood with several potential health benefits. Cranberry supplements are promoted as a convenient way to get these benefits without the sugar or sharp taste […]

Slawomir Fajer/Shutterstock There are few things I look forward to more each year than an excellent Christmas lunch. In fact, I deliberately avoid roast dinners in the run-up to the big day. Especially obligatory work parties, where the turkey inevitably resembles sawdust and the stuffing has the texture of a silicone implant. Call me a […]

angellodeco/Shutterstock Imagine if a simple blood test could offer a glimpse into your future health. Not just whether you have heart disease or cancer today, but whether your overall risk of dying in the next five or ten years is higher or lower than expected. It is the kind of idea that has hovered on […]

photolin/Shutterstock A large Swedish study reported a lower risk of dementia among middle-aged and older adults who consumed higher amounts of full-fat cheese and cream. The findings may sound like welcome news but they need careful interpretation. The study followed 27,670 participants for 25 years, during which 3,208 developed dementia. Among people without a known […]