Subscribe now

We may finally know why psychological stress worsens gut inflammation

26 May 2023

A pathway between the brain and the immune system discovered in mice could explain why prolonged stress can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease


Wearable anti-anxiety device strokes your arm with a furry pompom

Wearable anti-anxiety device strokes your arm with a furry pompom

24 March 2023

A device that is worn around the forearm reduces anxiety during stressful tasks by gently dragging a small patch of fake fur across a person’s skin


BURBANK, CA - MARCH 17: Shoppers wait in line to purchase ammunition and guns at Gun World in Burbank on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 as US sales of guns and ammunition soar amid the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Rise in US gun sales during the pandemic linked to extremist beliefs

16 February 2023

People in the US who purchased a gun during the pandemic were more likely to support extreme political beliefs and engage in violent behaviour than people who bought a gun before March 2020


A person holding a glass of alcohol

Drinking more alcohol after a traumatic event may increase PTSD risk

14 December 2022

It has long been believed that PTSD increases the risk for excess drinking, but in some cases it may actually be the other way around


alzheimer's disease on MRI; Shutterstock ID 677115010; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Acid produced by the brain could drive disease-related psychosis

16 November 2022

Kynurenic acid is made in the brain and could play a role in psychosis related to schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder – and new drugs may be able to reduce it


Happy mature old female mentor coach supervisor training young interns at group office meeting professional workshop. Cheerful middle aged teacher professor laughing with students at university class.; Shutterstock ID 1819892279; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Married women who work during middle age are happier later in life

21 September 2022

In heterosexual married couples, women are happier later in life when both partners work in middle age, researchers find


DENVER, CO. - JUNE 16: Edna Abraham Gezahegne is scolded by a man she found slumped over his wheelchair on the 16th Street Mall in Denver, CO, June 16, 2014. The man was angry at Edna for calling 911. She was sure the man needed medical attention and suspected he might have some mental health issues,

Mental health emergency responder programme cut crime rates in Denver

8 June 2022

A six-month pilot programme in Denver, Colorado, that had mental health specialists instead of police respond to non-violent emergency calls reduced non-violent crime by 34 per cent


Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop