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
What your vitamin D levels could reveal about your dementia risk
Scientists have found that people with higher vitamin D in midlife had less of a key Alzheimer’s protein in their brains years later
A massive once-in-500-years chimpanzee civil war has broken out
The largest-known group of wild chimpanzees has split in two. The aftermath has been brutal
A biblical megaflood could hit the US at any moment. And that’s only the beginning
A flood, the scale of which has not been seen in centuries, is coming, scientists say. Can we prepare before it hits?
How some people sleep only four hours a night and still feel great
A small group of humans barely rest at night – and never suffer for it. Science is about to find out why that matters for all of us
A new type of dementia is forcing doctors to rethink memory loss
Doctors are only just getting to grips with LATE – a newly recognised form of cognitive decline behind up to one in five dementia cases
You’re not actually addicted to your smartphone. Here's why
Not all social media is unhealthy – here's how to rethink your (and your children’s) relationship with it.
Artemis II: 21 historic images of the stunning Moon mission launch
It's the most significant moment in spaceflight of the 21st century so far
Most anti-ageing peptides don’t work. But these might
Touted by the internet as the next big cure for ageing, a wide range of peptide products are growing in popularity. But evidence for their efficacy, let alone safety, is shaky at best
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
Daylight savings time is bad for our health. Here’s what to do about it
How to adjust to losing an hour of sleep
We’re closer than ever to bringing back life from cryogenic freezing
Astronauts in cryosleep is one of science fiction's most enduring fantasies – but a new study suggests the gap between fiction and reality just got a little smaller
Why it's harder to shed weight as you get older (and how to fight it)
Could these brain receptors be responsible for middle-aged weight gain?
Alcohol has a dramatic impact on your biological age. Here’s how
The effects of alcohol extend beyond a sore head the next day
Here are the secret ways your dog is communicating with you
Your dog is trying to tell you something – you’re just missing the signs
We've found a bizarre alien magma planet surprisingly close to Earth
The floor (and the rest of this planet) is lava
There's now only one proven way to increase your IQ
If you’re serious about getting smarter, it’s time to ditch the brain-training apps
Scientists might soon cure balding. Here’s how
A new understanding of balding means scientists are poised to cure it once and for all.
This stunning 3D map lets anyone explore real human organs down to a single cell
It’s far less gross than it sounds (we promise) and could have major implications for how we understand anatomy and disease
This terrifying new dinosaur could rewrite the origins of T. rex
The emergence of the world’s most iconic predator remains a scientific mystery. This latest discovery offers a critical clue
‘Stunning’ new treatment may reverse frailty after just one dose
A landmark trial suggests stem cells can reverse the physical decline of ageing
Scientists spot signs of cannibal killer whales in Russian waters
Two severed fins bearing the tooth marks of other killer whales have raised a troubling question: are some orcas hunting their own kind?
Scientists have found a dinosaur ‘Rosetta Stone’ hidden for 90 million years
A near-complete fossil from Patagonia has finally cracked open the mysterious evolutionary story of one of prehistory's strangest dinosaur groups
Scientists could soon use giant fire tornadoes to clean up our oceans
Sometimes, the craziest ideas just happen to be the best
Some (very weird) weapons are being launched in space. And that's only the beginning
From lasers to space planes, the battle for space is already underway – and everyone wants to win it
