How the world got fat: a visualisation of global obesity over 40 years

It’s hard to understand or even believe the contagious way that obesity has spread virally around the world - so Max Galka created this visualisation

New Year revolutions: four gadgets for a better you

Want to improve your fitness, sleep better or start making music this year? Our writers put the latest gadgets – and their New Year resolutions – to the test

Why time management is ruining our lives

The Long Read: All of our efforts to be more productive backfire – and only make us feel even busier and more stressed

Can virtual reality help women cope with childbirth?

Erin Martucci is believed to be the first to use a virtual reality headset to manage her pain during labor, and doctors hope more women will follow

Can insomnia be cured by online therapy?

Up to half of us have problems sleeping – and some experts say online treatment may soon become the norm. But which tool should you use?

How do women really know if they are having an orgasm?

Dr Nicole Prause is challenging bias against sexual research to unravel apparent discrepancies between physical signs and what women said they experienced

What would a smartphone health check say about you? – cartoon

Our health secrets could be revealed by chemical traces left on our phones

Brave new world: implantables, the future of healthcare and the risk to privacy

Implantable medical technology and the data it collects will revolutionise the healthcare industry – but will we get round the privacy and the ‘ick’ factors?

Lack of sleep is making our children obese – but help is at hand

Increased calorie intake is just the start of it: insufficient sleep can also contribute to behavioural and learning problems. A few simple steps can make a difference

Want a good night’s sleep? Spend less time with your phone, say scientists

New study adds to growing body of evidence linking increased screen time to fewer hours of repose and poorer quality of sleep