Under the sun beards offer little protection

Facial hair can say a lot about a man but the chins of the bearded and moustached are not safe from harmful ultraviolet rays, according to studies from Australia

Sexual health of adolescent girls: learning how to listen

Making young women researchers, not just research subjects, was the key to uncovering their real concerns and beginning behaviour change in one Tanzanian district, writes Jennifer McCleary-Sills

Omega-3 may help struggling children to read, says study

Children whose reading skills were in the lowest fifth of the normal range improved over the four months of the study

Research dispels old myths about ageing

Tom Kirkwood, an expert on ageing, has produced research that suggests the 85-plus generation are much happier than perceived

Heavy drinking in pregnancy can alter unborn babies’ brains, study shows

People born to alcoholic mothers at risk of problems ranging from poor brain development to loss of hearing and vision

How vegetables can give you that golden glow

Scientists prove that your five a day make you more attractive – by subtly altering your skin colour

Male students eschew balanced diet in favour of supplements

Research into students' eating habits is surprising – men are more likely to eat a diet high in protein and supplements in order to improve their bodies

Walking could protect brain against shrinking, US research says

Neurologists who monitored 300 volunteers over 13 years say walkers could be defending themselves against memory loss

JK Rowling gives £10m to set up multiple sclerosis research clinic

Harry Potter author funds Edinburgh university research centre named after her mother, who was killed by the disease

The life-saving qualities of pizza

Research – from Italy, would you believe – suggests that pizza can be good for your health