Helen Pilcher
Science writer, presenter and performer.
Helen Pilcher is a tea-drinking, biscuit-nibbling science and comedy writer, with a PhD in cell biology. She contributes regularly to BBC Wildlife and BBC Science Focus, and has penned many popular science books. Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth was The Times 2020 Science Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation. Bring Back the King: The New Science of De-extinction was Radio 2’s Fact Not Fiction Book of the Week, and was described by comedian Sara Pasco as ‘science at its funniest.’ In other news, Helen is science advisor to the Beano, and owns a genetically-modified wolf called Higgs. Her favourite bird is the kakapo, her favourite moth is the Merveille du Jour and her favourite beverage is a warm, milky brew; no sugar.
Recent articles by Helen Pilcher
Why do dogs circle round and round before pooping?
There really is nothing science hasn't turned its attention to.
Nature’s weirdest: The furry hedgehog
They're the same size as a house mouse.
Nature's weirdest: The honey badger
They're like the UFC fighters of the animal kingdom. Seriously, don't mess.
Why bees are secretly one of Earth's most intelligent creatures
They could well be the linchpin holding Earth's entire ecosystem together... so it's no wonder they're busy. Here's everything you need to know about the important insects that are under threat.
Why do cats pile up imaginary litter outside their litter box?
It's another quirk of our furry friends.
Is my dog intentionally trying to make me laugh?
Our pets are often paws-itively hilarious. But are they doing it on purpose?
Why do cats love knocking stuff off tables?
Their cuteness excuses the broken vases.
Do animals that swallow their food whole, perceive taste?
Do animals that swallow their food whole, perceive taste?Apparently so, though not how you might think.
A scientist's guide to life | 9 skincare tips from a dermatologist
Consultant dermatologist Dr Bav Shergill reveals how to keep your largest organ looking peachy.
A scientist's guide to life | How to be a better conversationalist
What’s the best way to deal with cold callers and win an argument? Elizabeth Stokoe, an expert in social interaction, reveals all.
Nature’s Weirdest: The saiga antelope
Now that's a honker and a half.
Why are some people and animals lactose intolerant, despite drinking their mother’s milk when young?
Is milk just for kids?
Why do cats wiggle before pouncing?
Cats often shake their moneymakers pre-pounce. But why?
Nature’s weirdest: Burmese narrow-headed softshell turtle
Here's how scientists in China are trying to save the weirdest turtle in the world.
Anti-ageing pills are real, and some of us are taking them without knowing it
Eternal youth is the stuff of religion and mythology, but what if we could just have a bit more of it? What if there was a pill that could slow down the ravages of time, so that you could feel younger for longer. It sounds like snake oil, but there’s a growing body of research that’s betting on making it a reality.
Is it true that gorillas are permanently flatulent?
Better out than in, right?
What caused the Great Sheep Panic?
Experts, much like the sheep, are still baa-ffled.
Can you smell ants?
Expert advice: Don't stick your nose in an ants nest.
What is the deadliest creature in the UK?
Man’s best friend? Yeah, right.
Why do dogs like sticking their heads out of car windows?
They're not just feeling the wind in their fur...
Nature’s weirdest: This honking hammerhead bat has the world’s strangest nostrils
Meet the honking bat that looks like a cross between a horse and Yoda.
World’s weirdest animals: Meet the tasselled red river hog, nature's most dapper swine
The wild, red-coated, 'tufted pig' is a Yoda-lookalike from western and central Africa which, like Yoda, lives near swamps (and rivers).
World's weirdest: Meet the purple frog flaunting nature’s most bizarre backside
This unusual looking amphibian has a long sensitive snout, lives underground and has a ‘near threatened’ status.
Outlawed human embryo experiments could soon be made legal. Here’s why
The UK public recently backed a move to extend the 14-day limit on embryo research.