New Scientist - Health https://www.newscientist.com/ https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2510874-microbiome-study-hints-that-fibre-could-be-linked-to-better-sleep/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:15 +0000 Evidence is mounting that specific gut bacteria are linked to sleep conditions, which may open the doors to dietary recommendations aiming to boost the quality of our slumbers 2510874-microbiome-study-hints-that-fibre-could-be-linked-to-better-sleep|2510874 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507511-you-can-upgrade-your-immune-system-but-not-in-the-way-you-think/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:57 +0000 From vitamin C to your microbiome and mindset, the latest science of immunity is often counterintuitive. Here's how to give your system a fighting chance to overcome infection 2507511-you-can-upgrade-your-immune-system-but-not-in-the-way-you-think|2507511 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2510789-man-whose-gut-made-its-own-alcohol-gets-relief-from-faecal-transplant/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:00:54 +0000 A man with auto-brewery syndrome, a rare condition in which gut microbes produce intoxicating levels of alcohol, has been successfully treated with faeces from a super donor 2510789-man-whose-gut-made-its-own-alcohol-gets-relief-from-faecal-transplant|2510789 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2510374-red-tattoo-ink-causes-man-to-lose-all-his-hair-and-stop-sweating/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:21 +0000 A man’s severe reaction to a tattoo, which made all his hair fall out and destroyed his sweat glands, has reignited concerns about the immune effects of some tattoo inks 2510374-red-tattoo-ink-causes-man-to-lose-all-his-hair-and-stop-sweating|2510374 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2510549-weight-regain-seems-to-occur-within-2-years-of-stopping-obesity-drugs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:30:56 +0000 Drugs like Ozempic have transformed how we treat obesity, but a review of almost 40 studies shows it doesn't take long for people to regain weight if they come off them 2510549-weight-regain-seems-to-occur-within-2-years-of-stopping-obesity-drugs|2510549 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2510062-car-t-cell-therapy-makes-ageing-guts-heal-themselves/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:00:11 +0000 Immune cells are most commonly engineered to kill cancers, but now, scientists have shown the technique makes the gut lining of older mice resemble that of younger mice, raising hopes that the same approach could work in people 2510062-car-t-cell-therapy-makes-ageing-guts-heal-themselves|2510062 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26935761-800-2026-is-set-to-be-an-even-bigger-year-for-weight-loss-drugs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 GLP-1 agonists have already had an outsized influence on society, and with pill versions and more advanced formulations on the horizon, that looks set to continue mg26935761-800-2026-is-set-to-be-an-even-bigger-year-for-weight-loss-drugs|2509505 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507549-the-cost-of-weight-loss-drugs-should-fall-in-2026/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:12 +0000 The price of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy put them out of reach for most people with obesity, but new arrivals and expiring patents should change that this year 2507549-the-cost-of-weight-loss-drugs-should-fall-in-2026|2507549 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507675-murder-victim-discovered-to-have-two-sets-of-dna-due-to-rare-condition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:00:32 +0000 A woman's body has been found to consist of varying proportions of male and female cells because of an extremely rare form of chimerism 2507675-murder-victim-discovered-to-have-two-sets-of-dna-due-to-rare-condition|2507675 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508531-the-weight-loss-drugs-on-trial-in-2026-may-trump-ozempic-and-zepbound/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:40 +0000 Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound have transformed how we treat obesity, but more effective treatments could be down the road 2508531-the-weight-loss-drugs-on-trial-in-2026-may-trump-ozempic-and-zepbound|2508531 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508723-well-learn-about-lsds-potential-for-treating-anxiety-in-2026/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:00:46 +0000 Two later-stage trials investigating LSD for treating anxiety are due to conclude in 2026, which could lead to the drug being approved for the common mental health condition 2508723-well-learn-about-lsds-potential-for-treating-anxiety-in-2026|2508723 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2509211-benefits-of-mrna-cancer-vaccines-could-exceed-75-billion-in-us-alone/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:00:48 +0000 An analysis of ongoing trials suggests that mRNA cancer vaccines have the potential to deliver health benefits worth $75 billion each year in the US alone 2509211-benefits-of-mrna-cancer-vaccines-could-exceed-75-billion-in-us-alone|2509211 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508430-low-on-energy-a-new-understanding-of-rest-could-help-revitalise-you/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:00:36 +0000 There is a state of relaxation that few of us spend much time in, but which comes with profound well-being benefits. With healthier ageing, reduced risk of disease and feeling more energised all on offer, here's how to get there 2508430-low-on-energy-a-new-understanding-of-rest-could-help-revitalise-you|2508430 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835752-400-new-years-resolutions-work-better-if-you-know-what-to-measure/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 From our immune systems to our microbiomes, if you're planning to make health improvements in the new year, having an eye on the numbers can help set you up for success mg26835752-400-new-years-resolutions-work-better-if-you-know-what-to-measure|2508786 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2509499-gene-edited-babies-are-the-future-but-these-crispr-start-ups-arent/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:30 +0000 Three start-ups are aiming to create gene-edited babies. Columnist Michael Le Page has no doubt that editing our offspring will one day become routine, but not like this 2509499-gene-edited-babies-are-the-future-but-these-crispr-start-ups-arent|2509499 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506241-how-to-extend-and-improve-your-life-by-getting-more-creative/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:40 +0000 Growing evidence reveals that creativity is one of the best-kept secrets for boosting your health. From live theatre to a quick crafting break, here’s how to harness the power of art in your everyday life 2506241-how-to-extend-and-improve-your-life-by-getting-more-creative|2506241 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504428-gene-therapy-for-huntingtons-disease-showed-great-promise-in-2025/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:00:33 +0000 An experimental gene therapy seems to slow the progression of Huntington’s disease by about 75 per cent, and researchers are working to make its complicated delivery much more practical 2504428-gene-therapy-for-huntingtons-disease-showed-great-promise-in-2025|2504428 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508389-ivf-success-may-depend-on-how-long-men-abstain-from-ejaculation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:00:07 +0000 Ejaculating within 48 hours of providing a sperm sample for IVF seems to lead to greater success rates than abstaining from ejaculation for longer 2508389-ivf-success-may-depend-on-how-long-men-abstain-from-ejaculation|2508389 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503806-the-us-beat-back-bird-flu-in-2025-but-the-battle-isnt-over/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:00:46 +0000 After starting the year with its first known bird flu death, the US expanded its efforts to contain the virus, which enabled it to end its public health emergency response months later 2503806-the-us-beat-back-bird-flu-in-2025-but-the-battle-isnt-over|2503806 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2509031-sitting-by-a-window-may-improve-blood-sugar-levels-for-type-2-diabetes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:00:55 +0000 Our cells follow 24-hour circadian rhythms that regulate our blood sugar levels and are heavily influenced by light exposure. Scientists have harnessed this to show that just sitting by a window improves blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes 2509031-sitting-by-a-window-may-improve-blood-sugar-levels-for-type-2-diabetes|2509031 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508898-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-seems-to-have-a-very-strong-genetic-element/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:46 +0000 The largest study so far into the genetics of chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, has implicated 259 genes – six times more than those identified just four months ago 2508898-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-seems-to-have-a-very-strong-genetic-element|2508898 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508607-your-period-may-make-sport-injuries-more-severe/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:47 +0000 Professional football players who became injured while on their period took longer to recover than when injuries occurred at other times of their menstrual cycle 2508607-your-period-may-make-sport-injuries-more-severe|2508607 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835731-800-how-i-learned-to-keep-my-brain-in-better-repair-this-year/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Neuroscience columnist Helen Thomson on how she discovered a host of evidence-based ways to keep her brain healthier in 2026 mg26835731-800-how-i-learned-to-keep-my-brain-in-better-repair-this-year|2507432 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503480-the-potential-of-glp-1-drugs-to-transform-medicine-exploded-in-2025/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:09 +0000 We knew that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy did more than just help control type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss, but the extent of that potential really came to light in 2025 2503480-the-potential-of-glp-1-drugs-to-transform-medicine-exploded-in-2025|2503480 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508376-new-antibiotic-could-stave-off-drug-resistant-gonorrhoea/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:30:11 +0000 Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the microbe responsible for gonorrhoea, is developing resistance to most antibiotics, which means we need new drugs to treat the condition. An antibiotic called zoliflodacin might be part of a solution 2508376-new-antibiotic-could-stave-off-drug-resistant-gonorrhoea|2508376 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507900-supposedly-distinct-psychiatric-conditions-may-have-same-root-causes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:20:41 +0000 People are often diagnosed with multiple neurodivergencies and mental health conditions, but the biggest genetic analysis so far suggests many have shared biological causes 2507900-supposedly-distinct-psychiatric-conditions-may-have-same-root-causes|2507900 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508109-we-may-finally-know-what-a-healthy-gut-microbiome-looks-like/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:35:00 +0000 Our gut microbiome has a huge influence on our overall health, but we haven't been clear on the specific bacteria with good versus bad effects. Now, a study of more than 34,000 people is shedding light on what a healthy gut microbiome actually consists of 2508109-we-may-finally-know-what-a-healthy-gut-microbiome-looks-like|2508109 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507671-timing-cancer-drug-delivery-around-our-body-clock-may-boost-survival/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:38:59 +0000 The time of day that cancer drugs are administered could make a big difference to a patient's outcomes, and would be a relatively simple intervention to roll out 2507671-timing-cancer-drug-delivery-around-our-body-clock-may-boost-survival|2507671 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835722-200-human-challenge-trials-have-never-been-more-popular/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 The ethics of clinical trials that deliberately infect people with a disease aren't clear-cut – but there's a strong case for doing more of them mg26835722-200-human-challenge-trials-have-never-been-more-popular|2506689 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505159-how-deliberately-giving-people-illnesses-is-supercharging-medicine/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:00:41 +0000 The covid-19 pandemic opened the door to once-controversial human challenge trials. Now, volunteers are willingly catching norovirus and influenza to reveal how our immune systems really fight back 2505159-how-deliberately-giving-people-illnesses-is-supercharging-medicine|2505159 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507322-tattooing-may-trigger-localised-damage-to-the-immune-system/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:11 +0000 There is relatively little information on the long-term health effects of tattooing, but a couple of recent studies suggest the art form might trigger prolonged inflammation 2507322-tattooing-may-trigger-localised-damage-to-the-immune-system|2507322 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507004-experimental-vaccine-prevents-dangerous-allergic-attack-for-a-year/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:00:37 +0000 By blocking a molecule that pushes the immune system into overdrive, a vaccine protects mice from life-threatening anaphylaxis 2507004-experimental-vaccine-prevents-dangerous-allergic-attack-for-a-year|2507004 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506898-dogs-may-make-us-more-caring-and-sociable-by-changing-our-microbiome/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:00:45 +0000 We know that pets influence our microbiome, but scientists have now found that having a dog seems to change this ecosystem in a way that could boost our well-being 2506898-dogs-may-make-us-more-caring-and-sociable-by-changing-our-microbiome|2506898 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506591-we-now-have-a-greater-understanding-of-how-exercise-slows-cancer/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:00:01 +0000 Tumour growth is reduced by exercise due to a shift in the body’s metabolism that means muscle cells outcompete cancer cells in the race to get sugar to grow 2506591-we-now-have-a-greater-understanding-of-how-exercise-slows-cancer|2506591 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506595-man-unexpectedly-cured-of-hiv-after-stem-cell-transplant/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:00:14 +0000 A handful of people with HIV have been cured after receiving HIV-resistant stem cells – but a man who received non-resistant stem cells is also now HIV-free 2506595-man-unexpectedly-cured-of-hiv-after-stem-cell-transplant|2506595 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835710-500-the-quick-and-easy-ways-to-stay-fit-this-holiday-season/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 A chaotic schedule over the holiday season often derails Grace Wade’s workout routine. But this year she has a plan… mg26835710-500-the-quick-and-easy-ways-to-stay-fit-this-holiday-season|2505325 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504372-a-revolutionary-way-to-map-our-bodies-is-helping-cure-deadly-diseases/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:29 +0000 New tools that create ultra-precise maps of our tissues are transforming our ability to diagnose and cure once-fatal illnesses 2504372-a-revolutionary-way-to-map-our-bodies-is-helping-cure-deadly-diseases|2504372 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506108-upheavals-to-the-oral-microbiome-in-pregnancy-may-be-behind-tooth-loss/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:45 +0000 Dental problems often arise or get worse during pregnancy, and a new study hints that rapid changes to the oral microbiome at this time could be at least partly to blame 2506108-upheavals-to-the-oral-microbiome-in-pregnancy-may-be-behind-tooth-loss|2506108 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506011-monthly-injection-could-replace-daily-steroid-pills-for-severe-asthma/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:30:33 +0000 Daily steroid pills are often necessary for severe cases of asthma, but they raise the risk of several serious conditions. Now, scientists have shown that a monthly antibody injection can eliminate the need for the pills 2506011-monthly-injection-could-replace-daily-steroid-pills-for-severe-asthma|2506011 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835701-600-how-a-new-way-of-thinking-about-fat-could-transform-your-health/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Body fat, often reviled, is actually a vital organ that contributes to your health and well-being. It is time for us to stop vilifying fat and to start exploring how we can harness its power mg26835701-600-how-a-new-way-of-thinking-about-fat-could-transform-your-health|2504776 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503415-the-vital-overlooked-role-of-body-fat-in-shaping-your-health-and-mind/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:22 +0000 The discovery that fat is a communicative organ with a role in everything from bone health to mood is forcing a rethink of how we view our bodies 2503415-the-vital-overlooked-role-of-body-fat-in-shaping-your-health-and-mind|2503415 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505175-common-type-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease-linked-to-toxic-bacteria/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:00:37 +0000 The discovery that a toxin made by bacteria found in dirty water might help trigger ulcerative colitis could lead to new treatments for this form of IBD 2505175-common-type-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease-linked-to-toxic-bacteria|2505175 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835700-400-a-fascinatingly-grisly-guide-to-replacing-and-repairing-body-parts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Mary Roach's new book Replaceable You explores what we do when bits of our bodies break down or need switching out. It makes for a brilliant read – just beware the gory details, warns Carissa Wong mg26835700-400-a-fascinatingly-grisly-guide-to-replacing-and-repairing-body-parts|2504479 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505147-daily-pill-could-offer-alternative-to-weight-loss-injections/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:45:18 +0000 Orforglipron, a GLP-1 drug taken as a pill, achieved positive results in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, although it seems less effective than injectable drugs 2505147-daily-pill-could-offer-alternative-to-weight-loss-injections|2505147 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835701-100-cars-are-getting-bigger-this-is-a-problem-for-us-and-for-the-planet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Sport utility vehicles and other larger cars are becoming more and more common, and this is dangerous for our health in many ways. But we have ways to counter "carspreading", says Anthony Laverty mg26835701-100-cars-are-getting-bigger-this-is-a-problem-for-us-and-for-the-planet|2504558 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505035-vanishing-y-chromosomes-could-aid-or-worsen-lung-cancer-outcomes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:00:56 +0000 The health impacts of men losing their Y chromosome from their cells are increasingly coming to light, with the loss playing a complicated role in the most common form of lung cancer 2505035-vanishing-y-chromosomes-could-aid-or-worsen-lung-cancer-outcomes|2505035 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835692-400-finally-wrangling-with-the-complexity-of-female-bodies-benefits-us-all/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Medical research has long sought to gloss over the hormonal and chromosomal complications typical of female biology. But embracing this complexity could benefit everyone mg26835692-400-finally-wrangling-with-the-complexity-of-female-bodies-benefits-us-all|2503947 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501447-women-have-supercharged-immune-systems-and-we-now-know-why/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:00:38 +0000 Being born with two X chromosomes brings a host of health benefits, and recognising this could lead to personalised medical treatments for men and women 2501447-women-have-supercharged-immune-systems-and-we-now-know-why|2501447 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501420-why-giving-up-on-goals-is-good-for-you-and-how-to-know-which-to-ditch/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:00:25 +0000 We admire grit and perseverance, but surprising research suggests that giving up on ambitions in the right way can actually improve our physical and mental health 2501420-why-giving-up-on-goals-is-good-for-you-and-how-to-know-which-to-ditch|2501420 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504469-cuts-and-scrapes-may-be-slower-to-heal-in-redheads/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:00:28 +0000 Mice with the same genetic variant that contributes towards red hair in people were slower to recover from wounds than their black-haired counterparts 2504469-cuts-and-scrapes-may-be-slower-to-heal-in-redheads|2504469 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504177-why-arent-young-people-having-sex-any-more/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:26 +0000 Sexual activity in young people is on the decline, but why? And what's more, should we be worried about what this means for society and the future of the human race? 2504177-why-arent-young-people-having-sex-any-more|2504177 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504061-strongest-evidence-yet-that-the-epstein-barr-virus-causes-lupus/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:00:02 +0000 Lupus has been linked to the Epstein-Barr virus – which causes glandular fever, or mono – before, but we now have evidence of how it can bring about the autoimmune condition 2504061-strongest-evidence-yet-that-the-epstein-barr-virus-causes-lupus|2504061 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504119-sex-could-help-wounds-heal-faster-by-reducing-stress/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:17:38 +0000 Mild wounds healed faster if people took a spray containing the "love hormone" oxytocin and set aside time to praise their partner – but they cleared up even quicker if these individuals were also intimate with their other half 2504119-sex-could-help-wounds-heal-faster-by-reducing-stress|2504119 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501185-our-bodies-are-ageing-faster-than-ever-can-we-hit-the-brakes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:00:59 +0000 All over the world people are ageing more rapidly and succumbing to diseases that typically affected the elderly. But there are ways to turn back the clock on your biological age 2501185-our-bodies-are-ageing-faster-than-ever-can-we-hit-the-brakes|2501185 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503873-at-home-hypnosis-relieves-menopausal-hot-flushes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:25:39 +0000 Hot flushes could be relieved by listening to recordings that induce hypnosis from home, rather than having to venture to a clinic 2503873-at-home-hypnosis-relieves-menopausal-hot-flushes|2503873 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503413-falling-asleep-isnt-a-gradual-process-it-happens-all-of-a-sudden/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:00:48 +0000 Brain activity from more than 1000 people shows a rapid transition from being awake to being asleep, rather than a slow transition between the two states 2503413-falling-asleep-isnt-a-gradual-process-it-happens-all-of-a-sudden|2503413 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503750-ultrasound-may-boost-survival-after-a-stroke-by-clearing-brain-debris/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:00:16 +0000 The damage of strokes caused by brain bleeds can be mitigated by removing dead blood cells. Scientists have now found a way of doing this non-invasively, with promising results in mice 2503750-ultrasound-may-boost-survival-after-a-stroke-by-clearing-brain-debris|2503750 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503299-having-children-plays-a-complicated-role-in-the-rate-we-age/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:00:24 +0000 The effort of reproducing may divert energy away from repairing DNA or fighting illness, which could drive ageing, but a new study suggests that is only the case when environmental conditions are tough 2503299-having-children-plays-a-complicated-role-in-the-rate-we-age|2503299 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502731-cavities-could-be-prevented-by-a-gel-that-restores-tooth-enamel/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:00:10 +0000 Enamel does not naturally regenerate, which can lead to painful cavities, but a gel that harnesses some of the properties of saliva could restore the hard, shiny layer to teeth 2502731-cavities-could-be-prevented-by-a-gel-that-restores-tooth-enamel|2502731 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502820-covid-raises-risk-of-heart-issues-in-children-more-than-vaccination/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:30:20 +0000 Getting covid-19 for the first time slightly increased the risk of heart inflammation, blood clots and bleeding disorders among children, whereas being vaccinated against the virus was much safer and sometimes protective 2502820-covid-raises-risk-of-heart-issues-in-children-more-than-vaccination|2502820 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502830-were-closing-in-on-how-genetics-may-influence-your-pcos-risk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:00:44 +0000 In the largest genetic analysis of polycystic ovary syndrome to date, scientists have identified new variants linked to the condition, which could help us treat it more effectively 2502830-were-closing-in-on-how-genetics-may-influence-your-pcos-risk|2502830 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502635-walking-3000-steps-a-day-seems-to-slow-alzheimers-related-decline/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:07:22 +0000 Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline could be slowed by taking as few as 3000 steps a day, possibly due to the effects of regular exercise on brain health 2502635-walking-3000-steps-a-day-seems-to-slow-alzheimers-related-decline|2502635 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502203-the-gut-microbiome-may-play-a-role-in-shaping-our-personality/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:40 +0000 Rats given a faecal transplant from exuberant toddlers showed more exploratory behaviour, supporting the idea that gut bacteria might affect children’s emotional development 2502203-the-gut-microbiome-may-play-a-role-in-shaping-our-personality|2502203 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502186-magnetic-gel-could-remove-kidney-stones-more-effectively/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:00:44 +0000 Standard techniques for removing kidney stones often require repeated surgery, but a magnetic gel seems to make the process more efficient 2502186-magnetic-gel-could-remove-kidney-stones-more-effectively|2502186 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502081-stem-cell-therapy-lowers-risk-of-heart-failure-after-a-heart-attack/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 29 Oct 2025 23:30:31 +0000 People who receive stem cell therapy within a week of their first heart attack have nearly a 60 per cent lower risk of developing heart failure years later 2502081-stem-cell-therapy-lowers-risk-of-heart-failure-after-a-heart-attack|2502081 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501927-cant-focus-after-a-bad-nights-sleep-your-dirty-brain-is-to-blame/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:15:34 +0000 During sleep, your brain cleans itself by flushing through cerebrospinal fluid to prevent damage to brain cells. If you're lacking in sleep, this happens when you are awake – and seems to cause momentary lapses in attention 2501927-cant-focus-after-a-bad-nights-sleep-your-dirty-brain-is-to-blame|2501927 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501714-us-public-health-system-is-flying-blind-after-major-cuts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:12:49 +0000 The Trump administration has laid off government workers integral to major public health surveys, meaning the country will lack crucial information on births, deaths and illnesses nationwide 2501714-us-public-health-system-is-flying-blind-after-major-cuts|2501714 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501574-men-may-have-to-exercise-more-than-women-to-get-same-heart-benefits/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:00:59 +0000 Among over-50s, women seem to require less exercise than men to get the same reduction in heart disease risk, suggesting health guidelines need to be updated 2501574-men-may-have-to-exercise-more-than-women-to-get-same-heart-benefits|2501574 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500797-unpicking-the-genetics-of-fibromyalgia-sheds-new-light-on-its-causes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:00:31 +0100 Fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain all over the body, is poorly understood, but two studies – made up of millions of participants – are helping us get to the roots of the condition 2500797-unpicking-the-genetics-of-fibromyalgia-sheds-new-light-on-its-causes|2500797 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835661-000-why-group-exercise-is-better-than-working-out-alone/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100 When it comes to boosting mental health and even improving performance, team sports and group exercise come out on top, finds Grace Wade mg26835661-000-why-group-exercise-is-better-than-working-out-alone|2500719 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499565-everything-is-perimenopause-now-but-what-if-its-not/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:00:54 +0100 Many of the signs of perimenopause can also be symptoms of other conditions, and some of these get increasingly dangerous if they’re misdiagnosed 2499565-everything-is-perimenopause-now-but-what-if-its-not|2499565 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501293-common-ivf-test-misses-some-genetic-abnormalities-in-embryos/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:00:52 +0100 Human embryos formed with in vitro fertilisation can develop genetic abnormalities in the time between genetic testing and implantation – though this may not affect their viability 2501293-common-ivf-test-misses-some-genetic-abnormalities-in-embryos|2501293 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499701-testosterone-helps-libido-in-menopause-can-it-treat-other-symptoms/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:17:09 +0100 A growing body of research suggests testosterone replacement therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as a decrease in libido, mood swings and brain fog. But some in the field are sceptical 2499701-testosterone-helps-libido-in-menopause-can-it-treat-other-symptoms|2499701 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499831-the-extraordinary-influence-of-the-lymphatic-system-on-our-health/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:00:07 +0100 It has remained mysterious for millennia, but we’re finally uncovering the profound role the lymphatic system plays in everything from preventing dementia to fighting cancer 2499831-the-extraordinary-influence-of-the-lymphatic-system-on-our-health|2499831 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501064-weaponised-car-t-cell-therapy-shows-promise-against-solid-tumours/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:00:04 +0100 So far, immune cells that have been engineered to kill cancers, known as CAR T-cells, haven’t worked well against solid cancers - but a study in mice suggests that could soon change 2501064-weaponised-car-t-cell-therapy-shows-promise-against-solid-tumours|2501064 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501193-wegovy-has-heart-health-benefits-even-if-weight-loss-is-minimal/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:30:30 +0100 Studies have suggested that Wegovy directly boosts heart health, beyond just the benefits of losing weight, and now that has been demonstrated in a robust trial in people 2501193-wegovy-has-heart-health-benefits-even-if-weight-loss-is-minimal|2501193 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500939-serum-promotes-hair-growth-by-mimicking-the-effects-of-skin-irritation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:00:48 +0100 Skin irritation, such as through eczema, promotes hair growth in mice, which prompted scientists to create a treatment that works via similar pathways, with no discomfort required 2500939-serum-promotes-hair-growth-by-mimicking-the-effects-of-skin-irritation|2500939 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500834-antidepressants-vary-widely-in-their-physical-side-effects/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:30:53 +0100 Antidepressants can be very effective, but they also come with side effects that vary from one drug to the next, supporting the idea of more personalised prescriptions 2500834-antidepressants-vary-widely-in-their-physical-side-effects|2500834 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500663-breastfeeding-causes-a-surge-in-immune-cells-that-could-prevent-cancer/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:00:37 +0100 Breastfeeding seems to cause specialised immune cells to flood into the breasts and stay there for years or even decades, reducing the risk of cancer 2500663-breastfeeding-causes-a-surge-in-immune-cells-that-could-prevent-cancer|2500663 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500626-eye-implant-and-high-tech-glasses-restore-vision-lost-to-age/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:00:36 +0100 Age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss, with existing treatments only able to slow its progression. But now an implant in the back of the eye and a pair of high-tech glasses have enabled people with the condition to read again 2500626-eye-implant-and-high-tech-glasses-restore-vision-lost-to-age|2500626 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500546-mrna-covid-vaccines-spark-immune-response-that-may-aid-cancer-survival/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:45:09 +0100 An analysis of patient records suggests that mRNA covid-19 vaccines boost the immune response to cancerous tumours when given soon after people start a type of immunotherapy, extending their lives 2500546-mrna-covid-vaccines-spark-immune-response-that-may-aid-cancer-survival|2500546 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498830-a-radical-rethink-of-what-makes-your-diet-healthy-or-bad-for-you/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:00:43 +0100 What you eat has a surprising impact on the pH of your body with wide ranging impacts on your health. But getting the balance right isn’t as simple as eating fewer acidic foods 2498830-a-radical-rethink-of-what-makes-your-diet-healthy-or-bad-for-you|2498830 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500482-replacing-sugar-with-artificial-sweetener-may-help-your-gut-microbiome/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:10:11 +0100 One of the longest trials of artificial sweeteners to date found that they may increase beneficial gut bacteria, though the boost may also be related to weight loss 2500482-replacing-sugar-with-artificial-sweetener-may-help-your-gut-microbiome|2500482 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500112-why-the-next-generation-of-mrna-vaccines-is-set-to-be-even-better/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:00:57 +0100 mRNA vaccines are quick and easy to make, while virus-like nanoparticles produce a stronger immune response. Now, the two approaches are being combined to give us the best of both worlds 2500112-why-the-next-generation-of-mrna-vaccines-is-set-to-be-even-better|2500112 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499090-serum-based-on-plant-extracts-boosts-hair-growth-in-weeks/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:00:16 +0100 Applying a daily serum that contains extracts of a tropical plant improved hair density and strand thickness in just 56 days 2499090-serum-based-on-plant-extracts-boosts-hair-growth-in-weeks|2499090 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499579-therapy-may-be-the-most-effective-way-to-ease-irritable-bowel-syndrome/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:30:24 +0100 People with irritable bowel syndrome are often only given treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy after others have failed, but research suggests this approach is more effective than we thought 2499579-therapy-may-be-the-most-effective-way-to-ease-irritable-bowel-syndrome|2499579 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499544-weve-discovered-another-reason-why-naked-mole-rats-live-for-so-long/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:00:47 +0100 The longevity of naked mole rats may partly be due to them having a variant of a key protein that boosts DNA repair – a discovery that could help extend our own lives 2499544-weve-discovered-another-reason-why-naked-mole-rats-live-for-so-long|2499544 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499537-hidden-ecosystem-of-the-ovaries-plays-a-surprising-role-in-fertility/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:00:24 +0100 A woman's fertility declines with age, which is often attributed to a fall in egg number and quality, but the environment of the ovaries themselves may also be responsible 2499537-hidden-ecosystem-of-the-ovaries-plays-a-surprising-role-in-fertility|2499537 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835641-400-why-not-all-ultra-processed-foods-are-bad-for-you/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Just because a food is ultra-processed doesn’t mean it is unhealthy. Regulation and eating advice must reflect this, say Julia Belluz and Kevin Hall, co-authors of Food Intelligence: The science of how food both nourishes and harms us mg26835641-400-why-not-all-ultra-processed-foods-are-bad-for-you|2499135 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499225-selfish-sperm-see-older-fathers-pass-on-more-disease-causing-mutations/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:00:12 +0100 Older men are more likely to pass on disease-causing mutations to their children because of the faster growth of mutant cells in the testes with age 2499225-selfish-sperm-see-older-fathers-pass-on-more-disease-causing-mutations|2499225 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499421-pig-liver-transplant-into-a-living-person-edges-it-closer-to-the-norm/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:01:43 +0100 The first ever transplantation of a pig's liver into a living person helps us better understand how animal organs can be used to prolong, or even save, lives 2499421-pig-liver-transplant-into-a-living-person-edges-it-closer-to-the-norm|2499421 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2497596-why-everything-you-thought-you-knew-about-your-immune-system-is-wrong/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:00:09 +0100 Immunologist Daniel Davis wants to eradicate long-held myths and replace them with wonder at the complexity of the body’s defence system 2497596-why-everything-you-thought-you-knew-about-your-immune-system-is-wrong|2497596 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499044-there-are-five-types-of-sleep-heres-what-that-means-for-your-health/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:00:27 +0100 Scientists have identified five sleep profiles, each of which is linked to distinct mental health symptoms and brain activity patterns 2499044-there-are-five-types-of-sleep-heres-what-that-means-for-your-health|2499044 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2497851-whats-my-alzheimers-risk-and-can-i-really-do-anything-to-change-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:00:12 +0100 Can you escape your genetic inheritance, and do lifestyle changes actually make a difference? Daniel Cossins set out to understand what the evidence on Alzheimer’s really means for him 2497851-whats-my-alzheimers-risk-and-can-i-really-do-anything-to-change-it|2497851 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498910-nobel-prize-for-medicine-goes-to-trio-for-work-on-immune-tolerance/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:42:21 +0100 The 2025 Nobel prize in physiology or medicine has gone to Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries around how we keep our immune system under control 2498910-nobel-prize-for-medicine-goes-to-trio-for-work-on-immune-tolerance|2498910 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496986-the-exceptionally-tasty-new-fermented-foods-being-cooked-up-in-the-lab/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0100 Fermented foods make up a third of what we eat and were mostly discovered by accident centuries ago. Now a fermentation revolution is promising extraordinary new flavours and novel ways to boost gut health 2496986-the-exceptionally-tasty-new-fermented-foods-being-cooked-up-in-the-lab|2496986 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496548-read-an-extract-from-our-brains-our-selves-by-masud-husain/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:00:36 +0100 In this passage from Our Brains, Our Selves, winner of the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize, neuroscientist Masud Husain recounts how novelist Marcel Proust became convinced, wrongly, that he'd had a stroke 2496548-read-an-extract-from-our-brains-our-selves-by-masud-husain|2496548 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735630-500-exploring-pms-is-a-great-idea-but-the-period-brain-can-be-simplistic/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Premenstrual syndrome and its symptoms is neglected by science, so Sarah Hill's new book is welcome. But it needs more on genetics, not just lifestyle changes, says Alexandra Thompson mg26735630-500-exploring-pms-is-a-great-idea-but-the-period-brain-can-be-simplistic|2498401 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498288-we-now-know-why-a-belly-button-becomes-an-innie/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:27:38 +0100 Scientists have discovered a new abdominal structure called the umbilical sheath, which anchors the remnant of the umbilical cord to deep abdominal tissues and helps determine the shape of your navel 2498288-we-now-know-why-a-belly-button-becomes-an-innie|2498288 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498183-egg-cells-made-with-dna-from-human-skin-fertilised-in-the-lab/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=health Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:05:44 +0100 An innovative use of skin cells could provide a route for same-sex couples or women with fertility problems to have children that both partners are genetically related to 2498183-egg-cells-made-with-dna-from-human-skin-fertilised-in-the-lab|2498183