An orangutan dresses a wound with leaves, chimpanzees consume bitter plant pith, and monarch butterflies choose plants for their offspring. Discover the fascinating potential of plant compounds, how they have inspired modern medicines, and why...

Two meals can contain similar calories and nutrients yet trigger different responses in the body. A new study explores why food processing may matter—and what the findings mean for your everyday food choices.

Why do muscles lose strength as we age, even as their fibres become more endurance-oriented? A new study explores how cardiolipin, a lipid in the mitochondrial membrane, connects energy production with changes in muscle fibres...

Could creatine help with fatigue related to long COVID? In a small randomised pilot trial, 6 g of creatine per day was associated with a greater reduction in fatigue and improved handgrip strength after four...

Water is normally the best foundation for hydration. But during prolonged sweating, hot conditions or fluid loss through vomiting or diarrhoea, electrolytes may become more important. This guide explains what they do, when specialist drinks...

Muscle recovery involves more than a protein shake. Discover how rehydration, carbohydrates, protein and sleep work together, when rapid refuelling matters and why severe muscle soreness is not proof of an effective workout.

A new UK Biobank study followed 95,559 people and found that more estimated REM sleep was associated with a lower risk of 83 health conditions. We explain the findings, the limits of wearable sleep data...

Creatine is not only relevant to athletes. It helps the body rapidly restore cellular energy and is increasingly being studied in relation to muscle strength, recovery and brain function. Discover why creatine may become particularly...

Recovery can feel slower as we get older – but age is only part of the explanation. Discover how muscle metabolism, mitochondria and inflammation change over time, and why resistance training, sleep, movement and nutrition...