Consumed: How Shopping Fed the Class System by Harry Wallop – review

In his breezy romp through the intricacies of our social structure, Wallop declares that Guardian readers are Wood-Burning Stovers and Prescotts are Blackpool Posh, writes Sam Leith

Kumbh Mela festival is proof that crowds can be good for you

Stephen Reicher: It's overcrowded, noisy and insanitary, but a study suggests the Kumbh Mela improves devotees' mental and physical wellbeing

Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes by Maria Konnikova – review

Emulating Conan-Doyle's fictional sleuth requires more than a deerstalker and a predilection for the violin – attention to detail and a questioning, methodical approach are vital, writes Sam Leith

Zig Ziglar and staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down, Down world

Oliver Burkeman: Britons may have grounds to sneer at positive-thinking gurus, but the late 'Master of Motivation' knew life was also hard work

Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks – review

Our minds play tricks on us far more often than you might think. In his new volume Oliver Sacks cites a host of vivid examples, writes Lisa Appignanesi

Best psychology books of 2012

From Adam Phillips to Steven Pinker, experts in several fields have pushed the boundaries in our understanding of the mind, writes Lisa Appignanesi

Computer test could spot children at risk of developing depression

Test could be used to screen 11- and 12-year-olds, alerting doctors to those most likely to succumb to debilitating illnesses

Does violence in video games lead to real world violence?

Can violent video games cause people to be violent in the real world? Cam Robinson investigates for Gamespot's What If Machine, including interviews with Guardian Science blogger Martin Robbins and Middlesex University psychologist Dr Mark Coulson.

Happy teenagers earn more as adults

A study suggests that the happiest people at 16 and 18 earn around 10% more than the average income a decade later

Griffith Edwards obituary

Expert on alcohol and drug addiction who pioneered new forms of treatment

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health