Health

When will life return to normal after the pandemic? Jacob Lund/Shutterstock No one can ever know for sure when life will return to normal after a particular event, not least because what’s normal keeps on changing, even in normal times. Nevertheless, it’s a question we can’t help pondering – particularly…

Greece to make COVID vaccines mandatory for over-60s, but do vaccine mandates work? The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, recently announced plans to fine people aged 60 and over who refuse the COVID vaccine. A monthly fine of €100 (£85) will be imposed from January 16. Faced with surges in…

How air filters can make COVID wards safer for patients and staff Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock Hospitals are there to help sick people get better, but they can also be an infection risk. During the pandemic, many healthcare workers have caught COVID from patients they’ve been treating. Non-COVID patients have also picked…

COVID: will the UK vaccinate children under 12? PattyPhoto/Shutterstock Some countries, such as the US and Israel, are now offering COVID vaccines to all children aged five and over. It’s a sign of how well vaccine rollout has gone in these places, but also that the pandemic is still raging…

Heart disease risk from saturated fats may depend on what foods they come from – new research Our health is affected by the combination of nutrients foods contain. New Africa/ Shutterstock Heart disease is a major cause of death worldwide – responsible for some 9 million deaths a year. But…

Why some people find it harder to be happy Black Salmon The self-help industry is booming, fuelled by research on positive psychology – the scientific study of what makes people flourish. At the same time, the rates of anxiety, depression and self-harm continue to soar worldwide. So are we doomed…

Mask wearing wasn’t disputed in previous crises – so why is it so hotly contested today? Men wearing masks outside a military hospital in New York during the 1918 influenza pandemic. /Shutterstock Across western countries, people are polarised over wearing masks. While some support wearing them as an effective counter…

Alzheimer’s: physical exercise may reduce brain inflammation, helping to protect us from the disease Physical activity can help protect the brain as we age. Johnny Bravoo/ Shutterstock Physical activity is very important for a number of reasons – including that it helps to protect the structure and function of our…

Four ways to stop COVID ruining Christmas again in 2021 To go ahead this year, Christmas celebrations may need to be more low key than they would usually be. PorporLing/Shutterstock This autumn the UK has had between 30,000 and 50,000 new COVID cases each day, and globally cases are rising…

Bird flu outbreaks in Europe: what you need to know Once again, Europe is experiencing bird flu outbreaks – the deadliest animal disease known. In chickens and turkeys, over 90% of an affected flock will die within a couple of weeks, although in ducks and geese the disease may be…

Endometriosis: targeting a different type of pain may be key in improving treatment – new research Neuropathic pain doesn't respond to painkillers. Dragana Gordic/ Shutterstock Around one in ten women worldwide suffer from endometriosis. The condition is characterised by chronic pelvic pain, which is not only extremely painful but can…

Why researchers are turning to music as a possible treatment for stroke, brain injuries and even Parkinson’s Music has a powerful effect on the brain. meboonstudio/ Shutterstock You probably don’t realise it when you’re listening to your favourite song, but music has an incredibly powerful effect on the human brain.…