The woman who is allergic to light: ‘Walls were what I had to wear’

Ten years ago, Anna Lyndsey developed an extreme photosensitivity. At first, her skin would burn whenever she sat in front of a computer screen; soon, she was unable to leave a specially blacked-out room

Winners and How They Succeed by Alastair Campbell – digested read

John Crace reduces a high-achievers’ handbook by the former Labour party spin doctor to a triumphant 700 words

How do we know chilli is hot and mint cool?

Rubbed on the skin, chilli peppers feel hot and mint leaves cool. Why? The answers might surprise you

Five ways to improve your brainpower

It’s possible to radically improve mental agility. Norman Doige, psychiatrist and author of The Brain’s Way of Healing, suggests strategies to sharpen your mind

Curvology by David Bainbridge review – the female body, dissected and confused

A study that sets out to identify the factors that influence eating disorders, body image and clothing choices collapses in a welter of contradictions

Lesser spotted: Melanie’s Marvelous Measles wiped out online

An anti-vaccination book for children has received more than 800 one-star reviews on Amazon

Never tried BDSM? Go on, it’s good for you

Fifty Shades of Grey is opening people’s eyes to the joys of BDSM. And it isn’t just a bit of bedroom fun – it has serious benefits for you and your partner

Tips from widows – a guide to getting through the grief

Jan Robinson collected the advice from a network of widows after her husband died suddenly. The result is a funny, comforting and therapeutic handbook for bereavement

Oliver Burkeman: the art of taking action. Or not

There are widespread assumptions that the traditions of south-east Asia are all about slowing down and cultivating calm – but that’s only half the story

Fasting facts: is the 5:2 diet too good to be true?

Amy Fleming looks at the scientific evidence for restricted eating