Rising temperatures causing distress to foetuses, study reveals
Climate crisis increases risks for subsistence farmers in Africa who usually work throughout pregnancy
Plant-based diet can cut bowel cancer risk in men by 22%, says study
Researchers find no such link for women, suggesting connection between diet and bowel cancer is clearer for men
Eight glasses of water a day excessive for most people, study suggests
‘One size fits all’ guidance could lead to 20m litres of drinking water being wasted each day in UK, scientists say
No need for six-month wait to try for baby after pregnancy loss, study finds
Analysis challenges WHO health guidance on amount of time women should delay after miscarriage or abortion
Acupuncture relieves back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, study suggests
Analysis shows significant benefits with no major side-effects for mother or baby but more trials needed ‘to confirm results’• [Update: the study on which this article reports was later withdrawn by the BMJ owing to ‘fundamental flaws’ in the research – see footnote]
Unlocking the mystery of placental disorders and recurrent stillbirths
The winning essay in the Max Perutz science writing award 2022, published below, was written by Emily Cornish, a research training fellow and PhD candidate at University College London
‘Miracle’ baby opens debate over possible use of centuries-old sperm
Technology allows sperm to be frozen longer than legal 50-year limit but poses medical and ethical questions
Time for your medicine: unlocking the power of our body clocks
It’s long been known that certain drugs work better when taken at specific times of day. But now scientists are learning that our circadian rhythms affect everything from vaccines to meals – and even the results of exercise
400 people in UK diagnosed with preventable cancer every day, data shows
Experts say healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating more vegetables can lower risk
Bad dreams in middle age could be sign of dementia risk, study suggests
Research finds people who had them at least once a week were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline