Hint: it’s not just so they look super cool — We finally did it. We got on a plane and flew somewhere tropical: a land of swaying palm trees, delicious tropical fruit, stunning beaches and warm smiles. My husband and I finally took our belated holiday to Mauritius — all the travel anxiety post covid was worth it — we…

No, you’re not imagining it — alcohol can make you smell bad — It’s been a while since I wrote, I know. Have I suddenly lost my love of science or cooking? Or both? No, heaven forbid. Exciting life-stuff has been distracting me, but here I am, back at my desk, mulling over science and foody-type things whilst my cat lolls in a…

We can thank our atmosphere for those beautiful colours — I had started my week well: I dragged myself out of bed pretty early, and, as is my habit, I started writing first thing (coffee in hand of course). As my favourite ‘writing playlist’ gently played, I felt a real sense of peace and inspiration, and that wasn’t just the…

Mustard spice is meant to deter hungry animals; doesn’t seem to be doing a great job with us humans, does it? — How do you like your hotdogs? Tomato sauce? Onions? Either way, one thing is universal — hot dogs need mustard. Admittedly, I’m a Brit, so what the heck do I know, right? I don’t even eat hot dogs very often. But, if I did, I’d have them with lashings of…

But, unfortunately, the moon doesn’t smell like cheese — I’m a huge space nerd. But, I’m not an astronomer, or even a physicist, only a ‘lowly’ biochemist that knows more about protein molecules than is healthy. When I wrench myself away from those proteins, I think about space. When we get a clear night, my short-sighted eyes squint through…

It’s not just sci-fi: plants do it, starfish do it and even those pesky aphids are doing it. — What would do if you could clone yourself, easily and simply, right in the comfort of your very own home, or the garden, or you know, wherever? Personally, I’d delegate. I’d have one clone to do my taxes, and at least one clone to bring me coffee and endless rounds…

Which oil or fat is best to use when cooking? — How much thought do you put into your oil’s smoke point before cooking? If you’re like me, probably not a lot. Somewhere in my brain I’ve always known that fats like butter have a relatively low smoke point and to be careful when using them. …

The absence of a nervous system doesn’t stop these guys from always being on time — Is it just me, or can you feel the very first whispers of spring? Every year it happens, around this time, when the eagerly awaited season seems to creep in. Of course, according to the meteorological calendar, springtime for the UK is way off — by at least a month. …

The origin of the universe is right before your eyes — In the early 90s, we had an old black and white TV — you know, the kind with two ‘bunny ear’ antennae. At that time, we had four channels and, if you turned the dial a certain way, you’d see static, like a blizzard, hurling snowflakes at the glass screen. …