Mental health crisis ‘means youth is no longer one of happiest times of life’

UN-commissioned study in UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand finds satisfaction rises with age

‘Grounding’ proponents say it helps us realign with the Earth’s electric charge – but the claims don’t land

Experts say the few scientific papers published about grounding – which can include walking barefoot outdoors or lying on the ground – lack scientific rigour

Bacteria transferred during intercourse could help identify sexual assault perpetrators, scientists say

Genital microbiome or ‘sexome’ leaves specific signature even when barrier protection is used, which could be traced in absence of DNA material

I worked as a triple zero call-taker for six months. It hardened my heart and changed my view of humanity

Having the saddest, harshest elements of society nipping at my heels chipped away at my progressive ideals. The line between self-preservation and dissociation began to blur

How Australia’s ‘unfair’ dental system – and the way $1.3bn is spent – is driving inequality and leaving millions of people behind

Half of all government spending on dental care goes to private insurance rebates – meaning those without often skip treatment until things get worse

Skin is in: as sales of thong bikinis rise, is body confidence also growing?

A Sydney council’s ban on ‘inappropriate’ swimwear stirs a wider debate over complex feelings about women’s bottoms

66 days to quit Pepsi Max: ‘Of course, there is a lot of misery’

From four cans a day to zero. Can Jackson Ryan last more than nine weeks without his favourite sugar-free cola?

66 days to cut down sugar: ‘I find myself enjoying the sweetness of my lip balm’

With a family history of diabetes, Sharlotte Thou knows she has to reduce the amount of sucrose in her diet. Will nine weeks be enough to tame her sweet tooth?

New year goals: 25 ways to make your life easier, cheaper and more fun in 2025

Expert tips and handy hacks for saving on bills, bagging a bargain, kicking fitness targets and boosting your wellbeing

66 days to build better sleep habits: ‘By Saturday afternoon I am utterly listless’

Natasha May was determined to sleep better and become a morning person. Could she do it in just nine weeks?