Ever since Louise Brown, the world’s first ‘test-tube baby’, was born in 1978, medical science has made incredible progress in developing techniques to help couples who are struggling to conceive. These advances have bred a perception that conception is a right rather than a blessing — as well as throwing up a raft of increasingly … Read more
DR MAX: Those who are vulnerable must take precautions and shelter themselves, but the rest of us cannot give in to a fear that has no basis in what we now know about the virus.
Yale University in the U.S. is one of the most august educational institutions in the world, with 62 Nobel Prize winners to its name in fields as varied as literature, chemistry and economics. But its most popular online course as the planet comes to terms with the coronavirus pandemic is one called ‘The Science of … Read more
When it comes to mental health, there’s a group of people we are systematically letting down. No, not ethnic minorities, gay people or women, but middle-aged men. Doctors, campaigners and politicians all ignore them and as a result many are living in misery, blighted by mental illness that goes unnoticed and untreated. It’s a myth … Read more
With some elements of the lockdown expected to ease from Monday, now is a good time to start to reflect on the past seven weeks and consider the ‘positives’ we might take from the experience. That’s not to diminish the difficulties people have faced or its impact. The blanket lockdown has been incredibly tough for … Read more
Have you found yourself reaching for a soothing glass of wine or three, or a hefty gin and tonic each night during lockdown? While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a tipple, several of my patients, and even some of my friends, have said that since the lockdown began, they have found themselves drinking more than … Read more
There are, in all our lives, little things that go unnoticed. Things that we deem either insignificant or that we take for granted. Few of us make it a habit to embrace and celebrate these small joys, but if ever there were a time to start doing it, then it is now. As I write, … Read more
How has it been for you? A month in lockdown and with no reprieve in sight, it’s starting to feel like a life sentence, isn’t it? One day collapses into another and I’ve forgotten what a weekend feels like anymore. This new way of living hasn’t been easy on our emotional wellbeing — even mine. … Read more
Never mind the ‘backstop’, there’s a good deal to be found on a trip to Derry! Named 2013 UK City of Culture, Northern Ireland’s Derry clearly has a lot to offer The city, surrounded by historic walls, is proud of its two Nobel prize winners And the twice daily service from Stansted means now is … Read more
Dreams are stories and images that are created during a period of sleep. They can tell a convoluted story of anything which resembles deep-rooted fears to ambitious dreams. They are somewhat of an enigma to scientists as how they occur and what causes them is still an emerging field. Though a few people may not … Read more