Tom Howarth
Tom is trends editor at BBC Science Focus. He obtained an MPhil degree in advanced chemical engineering from the University of Cambridge, where he conducted research into amyloid protein folding using fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Before joining BBC Science Focus, Tom worked as a science communicator at the European Southern Observatory and has previously written GreenBiz and Geographical Magazine too. Today, he covers all types of trending science stories, from ecology to epidemiology, chemistry to computer science.
Recent articles by Tom Howarth
Archaeologists uncover Maya ‘emotional wasteland’ littered with eerie skeletons
Archaeologists have uncovered a foreign altar buried deep in the heart of a Maya city – and the remains around it tell a chilling story
Something really strange is happening to one of our closest galactic neighbours
A nearby galaxy is being shredded by gravity– and it could rewrite our cosmic history
Here's what your hearing could say about your heart failure risk
A new study suggests hearing loss could raise your risk of heart failure – and reveal early warning signs of trouble
Facebook is still experimenting on you in really strange ways, research claims
Few people fully understand how social algorithms work – and it's having major consequences
Schrödinger’s cat just got warmer, and quantum physics may never be the same again
90 years on from the famous thought experiment’s conception, researchers have broken a crucial barrier in quantum physics.
Here are the worst coffee types for your cholesterol levels
Your morning cup of joe might pack a punch – just not the kind you expect
Something very strange is happening to tornadoes across the US. And scientists are baffled
After another explosive start to tornado season, twisters are cropping up in unexpected places – and the big picture isn’t looking any clearer
This 7,000-year-old mummy DNA has revealed a ‘ghost’ branch of humanity
Ancient remains hidden in a Libyan cave have opened the door to a long lost human lineage
Antibiotic resistance could soon spiral out of control. This could be our last defence
A new study warns that antibiotic use in livestock could soar by 2040 – threatening both human health and global food security
This 3-day-a-week diet could be a vital weight loss strategy, say scientists
Sticking to any diet is tough. This trick may help you achieve your weight loss goals
Clocks change UK 2025: When do they go forward and why?
Here we go again – time to sacrifice sleep in the name of sunshine
Daylight savings time is bad for our health. Here’s what to do about it
How to adjust to losing an hour of sleep.
Solar eclipse: 'Weird' double sunrise and devil horns set to dazzle the US
The first solar eclipse of 2025 could deliver one of the year's most stunning sights. Get the camera ready
Solar eclipse 2025: How and where to see the cosmic event of the year
A rare partial solar eclipse will dazzle skies on 29 March 2025. Here's everything you need to know
What your neighbourhood now says about your dementia risk
Living in a disadvantaged area could significantly increase your risk of developing dementia and speed up cognitive decline
This top-secret US space plane could reshape space warfare forever
The X-37B returned to Earth this month, but details of its time in space remain hazy, to say the least.
This cholesterol-lowering drug combo could save hundreds of thousands of lives, claim scientists
Scientists are urging doctors to make this the go-to treatment for people across the globe
This simple snacking habit could improve your cholesterol levels: new study
This idea might seem nuts, but it really (pe)can work.
This stunning new cosmic map could decode our dark Universe
Millions of galaxies found; billions more await. The Euclid space telescope’s first glimpse into the universe will blow your mind.
Nicotine pouch flavours may make them more addictive, study claims
Nicotine is already highly addictive – now, a new animal study suggests certain flavourings make it even more so
We’ve finally discovered how your brain differs from a chimp’s: new study
Turns out that our brains are quite unique compared to our closest animal relatives – if you look hard enough.
Strange microscopic lightning may have kickstarted life on Earth
Tiny zaps of electricity may have provided the energy to form life as we know it.
This ‘switch’ could put an end to your weight loss plateaus, say scientists
Counting calories to no avail? Scientists may have found a way to stop your body fighting weight loss.
4 ridiculously easy ways to upgrade your pancakes, according to science
Whether you’re going fluffy or thin, these easy science hacks will take your pancake game to the next level.