The flow state: the science of the elusive creative mindset that can improve your life

Scientists have long known the mental and creative benefits of total absorption in an activity. But what causes it, and how can we achieve it?

Forget the 5am starts! Night owls like me possess the real secret of success

A new report suggests self-declared night owls tend to have higher cognitive scores. So please can we now ditch the lazy and undisciplined stereotypes, writes Arwa Mahdawi

‘Clearly, I have no rizz’: can a 60-year-old misanthrope polish up his pulling power?

Love Islanders have it, daters want it and TikTok influencers will teach you how to get it – but rizz (a close cousin of charisma) is hard to fabricate

Feeling exhausted? Here’s how to fight the weariness

Try these top tips for managing your energy more wisely

The happy microbiome: how to nourish all of yours – from mouth to gut to vagina

Genetically speaking, we are more microbe than human and, whether on our skin or up our nose, they are essential to our health. Here are simple ways to keep yours thriving

One night I’m a murderer, the next my husband’s having an affair. Why do we have the dreams that we do?

We’ve stopped believing they’re messages from the gods. So what are dreams – and what purpose do they serve? Here’s what the science says

‘A 30-second walk would exhaust me beyond reason’: Natacha’s life with long Covid

Natacha Gray had an active life, diving, climbing and playing music, before illness left her so tired she would collapse on the way to the couch. She discusses two and a half devastating years – and how she stays optimistic

Stable sperm counts in Denmark cast doubt on ‘spermageddon’ fears

Contrary to other recent research, study finds no evidence of decline – but conclusions disputed by other fertility experts

Mounjaro is second obesity drug to be approved for use in England

Those with BMI of 35 and a comorbidity could be prescribed tirzepatide and Nice says it is more effective than Wegovy

How learning about the science of shyness helped me

I’ve managed to conquer my fears and build great friendships, says David Robson