Alexandra Thompson

Sexual activity in young people is on the decline, but why? And what's more, should we be worried about what this means for society and the future of the human race?

Premenstrual syndrome and its symptoms is neglected by science, so Sarah Hill's new book is welcome. But it needs more on genetics, not just lifestyle changes, says Alexandra Thompson

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

Simmod Lens introduces the NATO Ring for cine lenses with an outer diameter of 80–85mm, providing a secure way to mount accessories.

Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate

Mounting evidence suggests there might be two separate types of the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition. Can this fresh understanding lead to much-needed new treatments?

The idea of varying your lifestyle throughout your menstrual cycle to help relieve PMS or period pain seems intuitive, but the evidence reveals a nuanced picture, finds columnist Alexandra Thompson

Drug trials are vital to medicine, but what of those taking part? Jennie Erin Smith's moving new book about what happened in a rural community hit by early-onset Alzheimer's disease gives them a voice

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have the power to block the forces driving obesity, but the knock-on societal effects may not necessarily be so positive

Many dates stick in our minds as we reflect on five years of living with covid-19 - here are some of the most memorable ones

Many emotive and inspiring photographs were taken when covid-19 turned our lives upside down – here are some of the best pictures from the past five years

The Nobel committees seem to have an unfortunate habit of overlooking women and Black people when it comes to science – this must change, says Alexandra Thompson

David Spiegelhalter has spent his career crunching numbers to assess what may happen in the future. His thought-provoking new book gives readers a window into how they can apply this in their own lives

Michael Schindhelm’s exhibition explores the possibilities and perils of living healthily for centuries – or at least much longer than today

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

There is some evidence that cannabis is an effective short-term pain-reliever but long-term users may experience more pain

We are finally working out what happens to the skin and gut microbiome when someone gets acne, giving us new targets for treatments

From sexism’s “benefits” to mothers’ role in creating culture, Cat Bohannon rethinks the role of women in Eve: How the female body drove 200 million years of human evolution

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

Vaginal microbiome transplants are helping treat bacterial vaginosis and shedding light on the importance of this intimate ecosystem in women’s health