My search for female gardeners’ life stories helped me combat loneliness – and make great friends

I was lonely after lockdown and wanted to know why women gardened so wrote to those I admired. Now I have a host of new friends from different generations and backgrounds

It takes all 53 of our senses to bring the drab external world to life

Sensory perception is a many-splendoured thing, and without it we’d have nothing, writes Ashley Ward

Wearable fitness trackers could interfere with cardiac devices, study finds

Bioimpedance sensing technologies as used in smartwatches could affect implanted devices like pacemakers

Exercise and satisfying relationships are the secrets to good health in later life

New research finds strong social networks and physical activity in mid life can help prevent long-term health conditions

RHS developing ‘wellbeing blueprint’ to enhance health benefits of gardens

Scientists conducting tests at experimental garden in Surrey to determine effects plants and flowers have on people

Kitchen dangers: are you being slowly poisoned by your spice rack?

A study from the US has emerged that shows those innocuous jars of seasoning might be among the germiest parts of your home

Humans ‘may need more sleep in winter’, study finds

Research shows people get more deep REM sleep than in summer, and may need to adjust habits to season

The big idea: your personality is not set in stone

Think you’re stuck being scatty, or an introvert? The latest research suggests otherwise

Urgent calls for Australia-wide register of sperm donations amid concerns about ‘prolific’ donors

Experts say informal donations a ‘huge problem’ that could lead to trauma for donor-conceived people who find they have dozens of half siblings

Forget regret! How to have a happy life – according to the world’s leading expert

For 84 years, the Harvard Study of Adult Development has tracked the lives of hundreds of Americans. Now its director, Robert Waldinger, is explaining what it has taught him about health and fulfilment