Natalie Healey is a freelance journalist, editor and medical writer. She writes about science, health, social care and society.
The real dangers of vaccine hesitancy
A coronavirus vaccine is on the way, but a big challenge will be convincing vaccine-hesitant people to have it and combating misinformation about the jab
The rainbow connection
Around half of the countries that still criminalise gay sex are members of the Commonwealth. Natalie Healey explores the impact these laws have for LGBTQ communities, and what is needed to further progress on this issue
Better treatments for lung cancer that spreads to the brain
Metastasis to the brain is usually a swift death sentence but researchers are developing ways to make it less lethal.
Aquaculture’s role in propagating antimicrobial resistance must be addressed
Aquaculture is the world’s fastest growing food-production sector, but as the industry grows, so does the amount of antibiotics used to keep farmed fish free of disease. Chadag Vishnumurthy Mohan, lead scientist at WorldFish, a non-profit research organization in Penang, Malaysia, spoke to Nature about what must be done to keep antimicrobial resistance at bay.
Where you live shouldn’t impact your cancer care
People from the UK’s most deprived communities are more likely to get cancer, but the problem of health inequality is more difficult to solve than it might seem
Following the science? - Overseas Online
As the whole world puts its hope in a coronavirus vaccine, medical research has never felt so vital. But there’s also been a wealth of dangerous misinformation during the pandemic. Natalie Healey explores how life-saving science could be communicated more effectively
The gender gap in cystic fibrosis
Despite advances in therapies for people with the genetic disease, women seem to have poorer outcomes.
PTSD fears for frontline workers post-pandemic
Healthcare workers have risen to the challenge during the coronavirus pandemic, but the distressing events of the past few months could lead to long-term mental health problems.
Extreme cold is bringing humans back from the brink of death
When people are shot or stabbed, and lose half their blood, they have a five per cent chance of survival. But an experimental procedure could beat those desperate odds.
Vitamin D and coronavirus: is there evidence it can help?
There is speculation about a link between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 risks. But what's the truth? And should we all be taking supplements during the coronavirus lockdown?
How to solve Britain’s sperm donor crisis
Thousands of sperm samples are imported to the UK each year to keep up with demand from fertility clinics. But why aren’t more British men donating?
Eight ways to make the home safer for someone with dementia
Being diagnosed with dementia can be a shock. It’s normal to worry about how you will look after yourself as the condition progresses, particularly if you live alone.
Dementia can cause memory problems, confusion and even physical difficulties as time goes on, making safety more of a concern. But there are many aids and adaptations that can help you stay independent in the home during the early stages of the illness.
For World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, Which? takes a look at some of th...
How to stop worrying about things you can't change
As COVID-19 dominates our daily lives, it's never been more obvious that there are some things that can't be controlled or even predicted. Worrying about things you can't change may be futile but how can you stop yourself spiralling into negative thought patterns?
Living livers: how to extend the transplant window
Livers to be transplanted can only survive outside of the body for around 12 hours. Now scientists have developed a perfusion system which could extend this to a whole week. Natalie Healey speaks to Professor Pierre-Alain Clavien about what this development could mean for patients on the transplant waiting list in future.
Should you worry about your drinking habits during lockdown?
We're stuck at home without our usual hobbies so it may be tempting to drink a little more and a little earlier in the day than usual. But when does it become a problem?