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Theory Of Mind Is Wrong About Autistic People

For four decades, a controversial idea has shaped how autism is understood by researchers, healthcare...

Bacteroides Fragilis May Be A Fifth Columnist Helping Colon Cancer In Your Body

The gut bacterium Bacteroides fragilis has long presented researchers with a paradox. It has been...

Losing Weight Improves The Heartbreak Of Psoriasis For Some

For many people living with psoriasis, the red, scaly skin patches are only part of the story....

Healthcare In Space - The First Medical Evacuation From The ISS

For the first time in 25 years of continuous crewed operations, an astronaut has been medically...

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Mental Illnesses Run In Families, So How Can We Protect Children?

Mental Illnesses Run In Families, So How Can We Protect Children?

Dec 19 2014 | comment(s)


Children should be taken into consideration when helping adults with mental health issues. Shutterstock

By Sam Cartwright-Hatton, University of Sussex

Mental illness runs in families. This is well known and uncontroversial. There is much that we could do to reduce this risk, but we currently do almost nothing.

5 Common Misconceptions About Seasonal Flu

5 Common Misconceptions About Seasonal Flu

Dec 18 2014 | comment(s)

It’s that time of the year again. You probably think I mean Christmas, but as a virologist the sight of glitter, fairy lights and moulting pine trees immediately makes me think of the flu season. And if there’s one thing that can ruin your family’s Christmas, it’s the arrival of that particular unwanted guest.

But there are lots of myths around about flu. Here’s a quick guide to some common knowledge that actually turns out to be wrong.

Why I’ll Talk Policy With Climate Change Deniers But Not Science

Why I’ll Talk Policy With Climate Change Deniers But Not Science

Dec 18 2014 | comment(s)


What rising sea level? Peter, CC BY-SA

By Mark Maslin,University College London

There are many complex reasons why people decide not to accept the science of climate change.

The doubters range from the conspiracy theorist to the skeptical scientist, or from the paid lobbyist to the raving lunatic.

To Build Character In Kids, Forget Focusing On Self-Esteem

To Build Character In Kids, Forget Focusing On Self-Esteem

Dec 18 2014 | comment(s)

Sports Math: Using A Cricket Nightwatchman Is A Bad Idea

Sports Math: Using A Cricket Nightwatchman Is A Bad Idea

Dec 18 2014 | comment(s)


Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon bowled by Mohammed Sharmi last week. AAP/ David Mariuz

By Tim Trudgian, Australian National University

Imagine you are captain of the national cricket team. With 20 minutes left in day one of a test match, your top-order batsman is dismissed. Do you employ a nightwatchman? That is, do you send in a tail-end batsman to see out the bowling until the end of the day’s play and protect your top-order?

Well, a little bit of math can show you that you shouldn't.

2014 Sees New Heat Records In 19 European Countries

2014 Sees New Heat Records In 19 European Countries

Dec 18 2014 | comment(s)


A man relaxes in some decidedly un-Scottish weather outside the venue for this year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. AAP Image/ Dave Hunt

By Andrew King, University of Melbourne; David Karoly, University of Melbourne and Sophie Lewis, Australian National University

It’s clear: 2014 has been a scorcher. As well as probably being the hottest year on record globally, regional and local climate records have tumbled too.