Ian Taylor

Ian Taylor

A former deputy editor at Science Focus, Ian once undertook a scientific ranking of the UK's best rollercoasters on behalf of the magazine. He is now a freelance writer, which is frankly a lot less fun.

Recent articles by Ian Taylor
Illustration of aliens.

'We're not prepared!': How a Harvard professor thinks humanity's chaotic first contact would actually unfold

From interstellar visitors to alien radio signals, scientists are asking a question once confined to science fiction: what happens when we finally make contact?
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Illustration of a person standing on a podium. Their calf muscle is the highlight of the image, besides a floating human heart

What your calf muscles can reveal about your heart health

A ‘second heart’ is located below your knees, and you need to get it pumping
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3D render of a human brain gradually breaking apart and dissolving into soft, flowing fragments drifting away as if carried by wind against a dark blue background. The blue-toned medical visualization represents neurological deterioration, memory loss, and cognitive decline associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and mental health disorders. Side view with copy space.

The dementia vaccine some of us are taking without realising

The evidence has been quietly building for over a decade. Now experts can't ignore it
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Brain taking off from the ground with a cloud of smoke underneath.

How can I improve my memory?

Science just traced the issue back to a surprising source
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Close-up of man's eye.

Experts are finally learning what power does to the brain – and it's not what anyone expected

Evidence suggests power, like alcohol, has a tangible effect on the brain. But are its impacts always negative?
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25 surprisingly small changes that can significantly lower your dementia risk

Here are some of the behaviours that scientists believe will keep your head in the game
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Kale salad served with olive oil

The food pairings that multiply the nutrients your body absorbs

It's time to start nutrimaxxing
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Woman staring into camera

The subtle signs you're not an introvert but an 'otrovert'

Don't fit in with the group? Maybe that's a very good thing
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Person injecting semaglutide in her abdomen

61 surprising ways weight-loss drugs can change your body

Samaglutide use goes way beyond weight-loss
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Young woman with photo of aged eye over her own

How much of our lifespan is down to good genetics?

It's not diet, exercise or luck
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A woman cups her hands around a mug and drinks the brew

What's the best hot drink for your health?

Sadly, it's not hot chocolate
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Man with children

Are my kids ageing me?

Parents, you may want to sit down to read this one – if you're allowed to
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Man with orange coat walks into forest.

How to survive the apocalypse, according to the world's best doomsday preppers

Should you join the underground movement? And if so, how?
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CG illustration of a person getting notifications about needing to have a drink with six arms (four holding different drinks) and exercise equipment around them

6 surprising lessons on how to stay hydrated, according to science

What you're getting wrong about hydration (and how much is really enough)
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Illustration of a variety of unhealthy (and healthy) food placed within a speech bubble

How to turn down 'food noise' and take back control of your cravings

From social media ads to the smell of dinner cooking, food cues are everywhere. Here's how to stop them running the show
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Woman holding knee in pain.

How can I look after my knees as I get older

Here's how to improve the strength of your knees, to reduce stiffness, aches and pains as you get older
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Multi layered head silhouette with gears inside on yellow background. Illustrating dementia

Experts ranked 400 jobs by their dementia risk – and were stunned what came out on top

Finding the best route to beat Alzheimer's
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Artery with cholesterol build up restricting blood flow

The hidden way ADHD could be raising your cholesterol levels

People with ADHD should keep a careful eye on their heart health, though the reasons why are unclear
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An illustration of the US Air Force F-47 plane - it sits in smoke underneath a massive USA flag

The 9 weirdest (and most secretive) futuristic weapons

Lasers, AI sentinels and orbital bombers are part of a new technological arms race of futuristic weapons
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Illustration of a calm person within a icy cave in the shape of a person's head - representing calm through freezing

The simple habit elite snipers use to crush stress in seconds

How to use one of the body's stress responses to quieten the mind and make better decisions
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The simplest way to slow brain decline that most people never try

By targeting an often-overlooked sense, you could sharpen your mind – and help protect your brain from cognitive decline
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cholesterol in the artery

Which country in the world has the lowest cholesterol levels?

What 460 million tests tell us about diet, genetics and your heart
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Illustration of a person looking worried - you can see a burning aeroplane in the reflection of their sunglasses.

The most effective (but strangest) way to calm a fear of flying, according to a psychologist

Simple, science-backed techniques can help you overcome your sky-high anxiety
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Close-up of woman's eye and eyelashes

Should I trim my eyelashes?

Spoiler alert: You shouldn't trim your eyelashes for a variety of very good reasons including how easy it would be to damage your eyes
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