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DR CLAIRE ASHER Science journalist
LUIS VILLAZON Science and technology writer
DR CHRISTIAN JARRETT Psychologist and neuroscientist
DR NISH MANEK GP and health writer
DR PETER BENTLEY Computer scientist
PETE LAWRENCE Astronomy writer
HAYLEY BENNETT Science writer and editor
DR HELEN SCALES Marine biologist and writer
MARCUS CHOWN Cosmology writer and broadcaster
DR EMMA DAVIES Food chemist
DR HELEN PILCHER Biologist and science writer
DR STEVE BRUSATTE Veteran palaeontologist
LILY WILLIAMS, LONDON
WHY ARE PEOPLE WHO HUMBLEBRAG SO ANNOYING?
The definitive research on the topic remains a 2018 paper by psychologists at the University of North Carolina and Harvard Business School. They identified that there are two types of humblebragger and that the most annoying kind is the complain-bragger. They say things like, "I never have time for myself because my friends want to see me all the time." Only marginally less annoying is the humblebragger who deploys false modesty, such as "I don't understand why I keep getting hit on". Both kinds of humblebragger are seen as less likeable and competent than more straightforward self-promoters, and the key reason is that their complaints and modesty come over as totally fake. CJ
ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS
THE TEAPOT AND TEASPOON
WHEN: JULY AND AUGUST
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COULD MARINE CLOUD BRIGHTENING HELP US FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE?
The theory behind marine cloud brightening is that brighter or whiter clouds reflect more sunlight back into space.
IS IT SAFE TO RUN EVERY DAY, OR SHOULD I DITCH MY RUN STREAK TO SAVE MY KNEES?
A running streak, where you run every day without taking rest days, can be highly motivating and beneficial for overall fitness. Running is great cardiovascular exercise and isn't to be discouraged (and finding a routine with some consistency is great). Getting a bit of exercise as often as possible is also hugely beneficial for your mental health.
WHAT MAKES THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET SO GOOD FOR US?
The Mediterranean diet may help you live longer, especially if you also adopt the lifestyle of people living near the Med during the 1950s.
WHAT IS MEXICO'S BLUE HOLE?
The world's deepest blue hole (marine sinkhole) lies off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It's at least 420m (1,378ft) deep, but explorers still haven't found its bottom.
HOW CAN I TELL IF I'VE GOT HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by glands in our bodies called the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. It plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation and helping the body respond to stress. While essential for our health, chronic elevation of cortisol levels can lead to several issues.
THE LUNGFISH
In 1836, European scientists discovered a peculiar animal from the River Amazon that they struggled to identify. Its eel-like body was a few feet long and its air-filled lungs persuaded anatomists it must be a reptile.
ARE WE THE ONLY SPECIES TO HAVE BEEN THROUGH A STONE AGE?
The Stone Age might conjure up images of early humans, sitting around a campfire or hunting prehistoric beasts, but evidence shows that we're not the only species that has learned how to work with stone tools. Wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) use stone tools to crack open nuts.
Should we scrap daylight saving time?
Most of us look forward to the extra hour we get in bed every October, but researchers argue that changing the clocks twice a year harms our health
THE INTERNET OF ANIMALS
SCIENTISTS ARE USING ELECTRONIC TAGS AND SATELLITES TO TRACK WILD ANIMALS AND CREATE A DATA NETWORK THAT COULD HELP US ADDRESS THE BIODIVERSITY CRISIS
MUSIC FOR A DISTRACTED GENERATION
The number of things competing for our attention is often overwhelming. Can dreamy soundscapes created with neuroscience help our bewildered brains to concentrate?
