Science

Bigorexia, the reverse form of anorexia plaguing male teenagers

Bigorexia in teenagers is growing at an alarming pace. This form of reverse anorexia is described as the obsession with achieving a bulky and heavily muscled body, often resulting in unhealthy changes in diet, obsessively going to the gym, social isolation and in some cases, taking dangerous steroids which can lead to severe health problems.

The relationship that we have with our bodies is not one that we can break up with, but we do have the power to change it. Changing your body is not always a negative thing, as it can improve physical health, mental wellbeing and self-confidence. However, changing your body because you or other people make you feel ashamed of it, is not a healthy situation.

We live in a society now where social media is a constant presence. We are bombarded with information, images and advice about all kinds of topics. Part of this social media experience is people showing us their bodies, promoting an “ideal” and how to achieve it. The message fed to us is basically, “If you have a body that looks like this, you…

In pursuit of the Northern Lights

Since the beginning of human history, the elusive Northern Lights have inspired artists and puzzled scientists in equal measure. As we reach the peak of a solar cycle in 2024, chances of witnessing the spellbinding spectacle of the Aurora Borealis dramatically increase. In this article, our Editor-in-Chief, Julia Pasarón, explains why. Our sun is just […]

Quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics (QM) is the study of matter and energy at the microscopic level. QM makes bizarre predictions about how matter works. For example, quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles become correlated such that measuring the state of one instantaneously affects the state of the other, even if they are separated by vast […]

One woman’s quest for the good of many

With the UK’s CBD market doubling in two years and projected to be worth almost 800 million by 2025, it is an exciting time for the hemp industry. But CBD is still woefully misunderstood and badly regulated, stunting the economic, environmental and health benefits that the industry could reap. Cue activist and entrepreneur Jade Proudman […]

Space travel breaks the champagne barrier

Last year we finally sent “tourists” to space. First, it was Sir Richard Branson with Virgin Galactic, who managed to get to the boundary of space (80km up) and then Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin went even further, to the Kármán line (above 100 kilometres), where astronauts get their wings. We are seeing the first steps […]

Balancing Changing Hormones

From growth and development to sleep patterns, metabolism, mood, and even reproduction, hormones play a key role in how your body looks, feels and functions throughout your lifetime. In fact, while you may already know that hormones fluctuate throughout the day and month for both men and women, many people are surprised to learn that […]

The cryotherapy revolution

Cryotherapy is the use of low temperatures in medical therapy. It is applied to treat a variety of conditions, most commonly to relieve muscle pain, sprains and swelling after soft tissue damage or surgery. For decades, it has been employed to accelerate recovery in athletes post exercise but in the last few years, it is […]

Astronaut Dr Edward Gibson reflects on the future of space exploration.

Edward Gibson was the last man out of Skylab. After 84 days orbiting planet Earth, floating inside the space station (at the time a record duration flight) he closed the hatch, entered the capsule with his crew mates and headed back home. There was no ceremony, no parting goodbye ritual; as far as Gibson and […]

How technology has changed from one Tokyo Games to the next.

When American Bob Hayes crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, winning gold in the Men’s 100 metres, there were two times measured. One manually by the stewards, one via a fully automatic timing device. Although it was not evident as Hayes celebrated his triumph, in that moment Olympic timing changed forever. […]

The European Space Agency (ESA) looks for new recruits

For the first time in 11 years, ESA is looking for a new astronaut squad. These recruits will work alongside their existing astronauts as Europe enters a new era of space exploration. Established in 1975, the European Space Agency now has 22 Member States and cooperates with many others. Their mission is the peaceful exploration […]

Breaking moulds... and other things

At the tender age of 24, glamorous Ella is literally breaking moulds in the automotive sector as one of the youngest female materials engineers working in the industry, specialised in corrosion science and metallographic fracture analysis. As a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) industries ambassador, Ella goes around schools inspiring kids to go down […]

by Anna Reser and Leila McNeill

In a white farmhouse in the small town of Granby, Massachusetts, retired schoolteacher Abbie C. E. Lathrop made herself into a scientist. To make an income, Lathrop had started a business breeding fancy mice and selling them as pets; and in the process, she learned how to breed them for specific genetic traits. A self-taught […]