IN THE KNOW

News you can use, direct from the science lab

Annoying mantra? Yes. But it could just be one to live by. Researchers from Oregon State University found that the way you respond to daily stressors (think: a traffic jam, a doctor’s appointment running late, a manspreader on the commute) could play an important role in your cognitive health, with those responding negatively showing worse mental focus. Just chill, yeah? MOOD FOOD

The impact of food on your mood is well documented, but new research from Australia* suggests that proximity to fast food outlets is enough to affect your mental health. In one experiment, researchers found that islanders living with easy access to fast food were more likely to suffer with depression than inhabitants of a neighbouring island, who ate a seafood-based diet with no access to fast food. Unhappy meal.

657

The number of vulvas scientists studied to conclude that no two look the same*. So don’t feel self-conscious about yours – you’re one of a kind.

DOWN TIME

Yet another reason to nix the after-hours emails. According to a new study*, you’re more vulnerable to stress in the evening, as your body releases less cortisol – which equips you to deal with stressful situations – than it does in the morning. That aggy email will still be there tomorrow.

CHROMO ZONES

Skipped the gym again? Blame your DNA. University of Oxford research suggests that your sleeping/gymming/ slothing ratio could be determined, in part, by your genes. The study identified 14 genetic ‘regions’ associated with both sleep duration and activity behaviours.

QUIET SHAME

Beer fear. Hangxiety. Call it what you will, but if you think you’re more susceptible to it than your peacocking pals, you could be right. Research by the University of Exeter found that while drinking alcohol lessened anxiety in shy people at the time, it increased their anxiety levels the following day – more so than it did among extroverts.

HEALTHY HOODS

Researchers from UCL have found that having no sense of community or attachment to where you live could be as bad for your health as living in a deprived neighbourhood. News to share on the village newsletter/street Whatsapp group/at the next town hall meeting.