Meditation could have positive impact on gut and overall health
Practice may help regulate gut microbiome and lower risk of ill health, study of Buddhist monks finds
Glass too full? Why safe drinking guidelines vary between countries
Belgium suggests 21 drinks a week is safe for men, while Australia recommends no more than 10 for anyone. What goes into the guidelines?
Short bursts of vigorous activity can cut risk of early death, study suggests
People who do three one-minute bouts of intense activity each day such as climbing stairs have 39% lower risk of death from any cause
Rising temperatures causing distress to foetuses, study reveals
Climate crisis increases risks for subsistence farmers in Africa who usually work throughout pregnancy
Plant-based diet can cut bowel cancer risk in men by 22%, says study
Researchers find no such link for women, suggesting connection between diet and bowel cancer is clearer for men
Eight glasses of water a day excessive for most people, study suggests
‘One size fits all’ guidance could lead to 20m litres of drinking water being wasted each day in UK, scientists say
No need for six-month wait to try for baby after pregnancy loss, study finds
Analysis challenges WHO health guidance on amount of time women should delay after miscarriage or abortion
Acupuncture relieves back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, study suggests
Analysis shows significant benefits with no major side-effects for mother or baby but more trials needed ‘to confirm results’• [Update: the study on which this article reports was later withdrawn by the BMJ owing to ‘fundamental flaws’ in the research – see footnote]
Unlocking the mystery of placental disorders and recurrent stillbirths
The winning essay in the Max Perutz science writing award 2022, published below, was written by Emily Cornish, a research training fellow and PhD candidate at University College London
‘Miracle’ baby opens debate over possible use of centuries-old sperm
Technology allows sperm to be frozen longer than legal 50-year limit but poses medical and ethical questions