Barkha Mathur

Does plucking a grey hair cause more? Dermatologist busts the myth

Many believe pulling out one grey hair will cause several more to grow. A dermatologist explains the science behind greying, and what really happens when you pull out that first silver strand

Quitting smoking: Ways to resist tobacco cravings and stay on track

Tobacco cravings may feel intense, but experts say most urges last only a few minutes and can be managed with simple coping strategies while the brain adjusts to life without nicotine

Unusual lower back pain? Don't ignore these 10 subtle kidney warning signs

World Kidney Day: Doctor highlights subtle signs like foamy urine, swelling and frequent urination that could signal trouble long before serious symptoms appear

Painkillers, antibiotics and kidneys: The risk of self-medication

World Kidney Day: Frequent use of painkillers, antibiotics, or antacids without medical advice may damage kidney function over time; doctor explains why self-medication can pose a serious risk

'Forever chemicals' may speed up ageing in men in their 50s: Study

Forever chemicals, widely used in everyday products like nonstick cookware and food packaging, may accelerate biological ageing, particularly in middle-aged men, according to a new study

Can nicotine lozenges help you quit smoking? How many you can safely take

No Smoking Day 2026: Nicotine lozenges can help ease cravings while quitting smoking, but they should be used correctly and within the recommended daily limit

Are white flakes on your scalp really dandruff? A dermatologist explains

Those white flakes on your scalp might look like dandruff, but they can signal several scalp conditions. A dermatologist explains how to tell if your scalp needs medical attention

That difficult person in your life might be making you age faster

A new study finds that "hasslers", people who constantly create stress in your life, may accelerate biological ageing, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of multiple diseases

Healthier French fries? Scientists may have discovered a new trick

Researchers have found that combining microwaves with traditional frying may cut oil absorption in French fries while keeping them crispy

This simple nutrient may help control deadly inflammation during illness

Scientists found that the amino acid methionine helped infected mice survive severe illness by boosting kidney filtration and clearing harmful inflammatory molecules from the bloodstream

These two sleep disorders together may triple heart disease risk: Study

A massive study of nearly one million US veterans finds that having both insomnia and sleep apnea sharply raises the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Ultra-processed foods may lead to anxiety, hyperactivity in toddlers

A large Canadian study finds toddlers who consume more ultra-processed foods may show slightly higher anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity by age five

Midlife health: Why women in middle age need recovery more than reinvention

International Women's Day 2026: From perimenopause brain fog to metabolic shifts, here's why women thrive when they prioritise recovery over constant reinvention

Poor sleep, loud snoring, restless nights: Sleep disorders not to ignore

Loud snoring, restless nights and constant fatigue may be more than stress. Here's how to spot sleep disorders early and why ignoring them can harm your heart, brain and metabolism

Should older adults even try to lose weight? Here's what doctors say

World Obesity Day: Is weight loss after 60 always healthy? Doctors explain who benefits, when it can backfire, and why strength, mobility and nutrition may matter more than the scale

Researchers reprogram natural killer cells to attack cancer faster

A new study shows that tweaking natural killer cells and briefly treating them with a cancer drug helped them destroy blood cancer cells more effectively in lab and animal tests

Why some brains refuse to switch off at night, researchers explain

Scientists have found that disrupted circadian rhythms may keep the brain alert at night, preventing the mental disengagement needed to fall and stay asleep

Emotional maturity in love: Why it matters for wellbeing more than chemistry

Psychiatrists explain why emotional maturity in love, not just chemistry or compatibility, may be the strongest predictor of long-term relationship stability and mental wellbeing

Can anti-ageing supplements fuel cancer? Here's what a new study finds

A new study reveals how polyamines such as spermidine alter protein synthesis in cancer cells, separating their healthy ageing effects from their tumour-promoting potential

No closure, no peace: How unresolved endings keep hormones switched on

A psychotherapist explains how lack of closure keeps the stress cycle active, disrupts sleep, affects immunity, and why true acceptance must come from within