12 articles from SATURDAY 7.5.2022

Morgan Levine: ‘Only 10-30% of our lifespan is estimated to be due to genetics’

The Yale scientist explains her research into biological and chronological age – and why she’s joined a $3bn startup funded by the likes of Jeff BezosIt can be said we have two ages: a fixed chronological age based on when we were born and a malleable biological age – the age at which our body is functioning, which can be affected by our lifestyle choices. Dr Morgan Levine designs tools that...

Sir John Bell: ‘Most people who have had the Covid vaccine are completely safe’

The renowned immunologist remains as upbeat about jabs – and UK life science – as he was in the depths of the pandemicSir John Bell, the Canadian immunologist, is a familiar sight to locals along the stretch of the Thames near his home in Wallingford, just outside Oxford, where he and his wife can often be seen rowing in a double scull.During the pandemic, Bell’s voice became familiar to...

Vaccine to stop Covid transmission should now be top priority, says leading UK scientist

Oxford University’s Sir John Bell says sharp fall in death rate due to existing vaccines allows for a change in prioritiesIt is questionable how much longer current Covid-19 vaccines will be used as they have largely done their job in preventing mass deaths, and scientists should focus on developing a vaccine that stops transmission of the virus, according to leading scientist Sir John Bell.The...

Anxiety can be good for you

It’s never going to be fun, but it can be healthy – and facing up to it is always better than hidingDr Tracy Dennis-Tiwary was a professor of psychology, immersed in research – evaluating which mental health treatments worked and why – when she first became aware of an uptick in anxiety. This was some 15 years ago in New York City. ‘I work closely with practising clinicians and I...

Climate hunger striker expresses shock at being ignored by ministers

Angus Rose starved himself for more than five weeks outside parliament until Green MP Caroline Lucas arranged compromiseThe climate hunger striker who starved himself for more than five weeks outside parliament has said he did not expect ministers would ignore his demands and potentially let him die.Angus Rose had said he would not eat until Greg Hands, the energy minister, arranged for Sir...