I remember being a child of about five or six, when my mother would take me to the local library to read books about sharks, or to watch The Magic School Bus on enormous grey computers.
Read More
Is there any scientific validity to meditation’s so-called benefits?
In recent years meditation has managed to shirk its label as a hippie practice, rebranding itself and becoming more popular in the West than ever before. Endorsed by businesses and universities alike, they boast that it helps focus, reduces stress, and can actually make the user more content. But how do the claims of this…
Read More
A Little History of the Microbiome
Continuing with my (apparent) theme of dissecting popular science, I’ve decided to talk about a rapidly growing field of study – that of the microbiome. For those of you who don’t know, the ‘microbiome’ refers to the diverse ecology of bacteria residing within our intestines. To put into context just how vast this range of microorganisms is: we have over 100…
Read More
Are organic foods all that they claim to be?
Organic foods have been around forever (literally, forever), but they’ve recently become the centre of a massive health craze. In fact, sales of organic produce in the UK have increased by 5% from last year, whilst sales of non-organic have dropped by 1% – demonstrating that the increase in organic can’t be put down simply to…
Read More
Natural Movement – Fitness Fad or Revelation?
Natural Movement really is as simple as it sounds; it’s a form of exercise that could, theoretically, be performed outside in the natural world. The proposed exercise regimes need no equipment, and are designed to mirror the (hypothesised) movements of our ancestors. Put simply – if a caveman could have done it, it’s natural movement.…
Read More
On the Road – Jack Kerouac
Published 5th September 1957 A contemporary classic that is hotly debated in literature circles, Jack Kerouac’s On the Road is liberating. It was released in post-World War II America and was a breath of fresh air in a time where the country was coming to grips with what had happened. The story is told by…
Read More