Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol
The anatomy of a smile: how to spot a fake from the real thing
May 30, 2025 12:07 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health
Youve probably heard the claim that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. Its usually framed as a feel-good reason to turn your frown upside down less effort, more joy. But anatomically, the numbers dont quite add...
The heart is symbol of love – things weren’t always like that
Feb 16, 2025 10:38 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
Valentines Day is all about the hearts: heart-shaped chocolates, cards, balloons and even pizza. But the heart hasnt always just been a symbol of romance. Across cultures and centuries, the heart has been revered as the...
Can aching joints really predict the weather? Exploring the science behind the stormy debate
Feb 03, 2025 11:00 am UTC| Insights & Views Health
For centuries, people have claimed that their aching joints can predict changes in the weather, often reporting increased discomfort before rain or cold fronts. Given the scale and duration, there is a sense of legitimacy...
Food and medicine that can change your skin colour – sometimes permanently
Jan 21, 2025 12:58 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life Health
When an 84-year-old man in Hong Kong went to hospital with an enlarged prostate, doctors were startled to see that his skin and even the whites of his eyes had turned silver-grey. A deeper investigation revealed silver...