Intrusive thoughts? John has a room for that

Matt Hancock has defended government deals to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, saying the country was in a “desperate situation” at the time. In a bad-tempered session at the Covid inquiry, the former health secretary repeatedly criticised the line of questioning describing it as “naive”, “hostile” and “inappropriate”. He said he was…

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can be found in many everyday items from cosmetics to raincoats and non-stick pans. They’ve also been found in food and water – and even in our bodies. But what exactly are they? And are they dangerous? Scientist Mark Miodownik explores. Made by BBC Ideas in partnership with the Royal…

Ruth Clegg Health and wellbeing reporter Getty Images Wellbeing has become such a priceless (or in many cases pricey) endeavour that we can’t seem to get enough of it. Last year, we were mainlining magnesium, consuming creatine – a muscle boosting supplement that became mainstream, and we turned to AI chatbots for help with anything…