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4 articles from Guardian Unlimited Science

Study finds evidence of ‘considerable’ presymptomatic spread of monkeypox

Research could help explain how virus got so out of control this year, while also refining efforts to combat itBritish researchers have identified evidence of “considerable” transmission of monkeypox in the few days before symptoms of the virus emerge.If replicated, the finding would upend received wisdom about how the virus spreads. It could help explain how monkeypox, which causes sometimes...

Magic mushrooms’ psilocybin can alleviate severe depression when used with therapy

Nearly third of patients on largest trial using psychedelic compound went into rapid remissionThe psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms can help alleviate severe depression when combined with psychotherapy, according to a trial that raises hopes for people failed by existing antidepressants.Nearly a third of patients with severe depression went into rapid remission after a single 25mg dose...

I was an unhappy teenager, among lonely people, in thrall to a charismatic leader – had I joined a cult?

Broken by my parents’ divorce, I was all too ready to be remade by Margaret and her circle. But the ‘training’ was brutal and demeaningIt’s 1994, I’m in a school gym, 16 years old, examining the intersecting lines for basketball, badminton and tennis because it feels less confusing to stare at the floor than watch the spectacle unfolding in front of me. A woman, who I think is very old...

Italian researchers find new recipe to extend life of fresh pasta by a month

Altering packaging process could allow pasta to be kept for 120 days, tackling food wasteA new twist on packaging combined with a special ingredient could extend the shelf life of fresh pasta by a month, researchers have revealed.Heat-treated, industrial fresh pasta has a shelf life of approximately 30-90 days, if stored appropriately. However, by taking a triple-pronged approach, involving new...