You can’t reverse the ageing process but these 5 things can help you live longer

At this time of year many of us resolve to prioritise our health. So it is no surprise there’s a roaring trade of products purporting to...

Why does alcohol make my poo go weird?

As we enter the festive season it’s a good time to think about what all those celebratory alcoholic drinks can do to your gut. Alcohol can...

Relax – having different sleeping arrangements over the holidays probably won’t wreck your child’s sleep routine

What are the origins of Santa Claus?

We’re all familiar with the jolly, white-haired and bearded overweight man who sneaks down chimneys on Christmas Eve delivering presents to children. But where did this...

Australian beachgoers are told to always ‘swim between the flags’ – but what if there aren’t any?

This summer, millions of people will flock to Australia’s beaches – and tragically, not all will survive. Last summer, 54 people drowned along the Australian coast....

I’m an expert in slang – here are my picks for word of the year

As a linguist who specialises in tracking slang and language change, there’s one holiday tradition I always look forward to: the annual selection of the word...

How to keep your physical and mental health on track during the holidays

With the festive season upon us, many people will be gathering with family and friends, whether it’s a workplace party, a friend’s get-together or a quiet...

Cats like to play fetch, as long as it’s on their terms – new research

Cats have a reputation for being aloof (some may even say lazy) – but our new research has found they interact with their owners in surprising...

Dreaming may have evolved as a strategy for co-operative survival

Have you ever woken from a dream, emotionally laden with anxiety, fear or a sense of unpreparedness? Typically, these kinds of dreams are associated with content...

Students could get more sleep and learn better if school started a little later

Nearly three-quarters of high school students do not get enough sleep on school nights, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Sleep...