Nicola Davis

London, United States

Presenter and Host at Science Weekly

Science Correspondent for the Guardian. Book lover, archer and stitcher. Shortlisted for British Science Journalist of the Year 2021.

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Articles

How and where to watch the Lyrid meteor shower

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

With the Lyrid meteor shower expected to light up the skies this month, we reveal how to get the best view and what to look for. What is the Lyrid meteor shower? This annual celestial display occurs every April when the Earth passes through debris left by comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) on its orbit around the Sun – a journey that is . “It’s sort of falling apart as it goes,” said Dr Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich.
People using drug Mounjaro sustain weight loss over three years, trial finds

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

People who use the drug Mounjaro are able to sustain weight loss for three years, data from a trial suggests. Mounjaro, nicknamed the “King Kong” of weight loss drugs, contains tirzepatide and is self-administered in once-a-week injections. It works by mimicking two hormones called GLP-1 and GIP, resulting in appetite suppression, increased production of insulin, greater insulin sensitivity and a reduction in the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach.
Secret to stronger pour-over coffee with no extra beans unlocked by scientists

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

Forget expensive beans and pricey filters – if you want a stronger cup of pour-over coffee, just add water slowly, steadily and from a height, researchers say. While there are myriad ways to make coffee – from moka pots to cafetieres and barista-style machines – pour-over coffee is an everyday staple for many. Now scientists say they have discovered how to make a stronger cup using the same quantity of ground coffee.
UK has ‘huge opportunity’ to be space watchdog, says former science minister

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

The UK’s role in the next generation of interplanetary exploration should be that of a space “watchdog” leading on regulation, insurance and finance, a former science minister has said, in an effort to rein in a situation he compared to the wild west. George Freeman, the MP for Mid Norfolk who was minister for science, research, technology and innovation under Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, said the need for standards was pressing.
UK has ‘huge opportunity’ to be space watchdog, says former science minister

2 weeks ago | georgefreeman.co.uk | Nicola Davis

UK has ‘huge opportunity’ to be space watchdog, says former science ministerArticle by Nicola Davis for The Guardian.
Bonobos may combine words in ways previously thought unique to humans

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

Bonobos use a combination of calls to encourage peace with their partner during mating rituals, research suggests. The discovery is part of a study that suggests our close evolutionary cousins can string together vocalisations to produce phrases with meanings that go beyond the sum of their parts – something often considered unique to human language. “Human language is not as unique as we thought,” said Dr Mélissa Berthet, the first author of the research from the University of Zürich.
New blood test checks for Alzheimer’s and assesses progression, study says

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

Researchers have developed a blood test for patients with thinking and memory problems to check if they have Alzheimer’s and to see how far it has progressed. The team behind the work say the test could help medics decide which drugs would be most suitable for patients. For example, new drugs such as donanemab and lecanemab can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, but only in people in the early stages of the disease.
Morning-after pill to be offered without charge at pharmacies in England

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

The morning-after pill will be available without charge on the NHS at pharmacies in England, the government has announced in an effort to reduce the “postcode lottery” of free access to the emergency contraception. The morning-after pill is one of two forms of emergency contraception that women can use after having unprotected sex, or where other forms of contraception have failed. The sooner that emergency contraception is used, the more effective it is.
Partial solar eclipse live: watch as moon to block part of sun for people in northern hemisphere

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Hamish Mackay |Nicola Davis

Key eventsShow key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this featureWhat is a partial solar eclipse? A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially blocking out the sun’s light. By contrast, in a total solar eclipse the moon completely blocks the sun’s light. “These eclipses, whether they be partial or total, it is effectively watching the clockwork of the solar system in action,” said the Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster.
‘The clockwork of the solar system’: what to expect from partial solar eclipse

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Nicola Davis

With a partial solar eclipse on the cards for parts of the northern hemisphere on Saturday, we take a look at where it will be visible, what to expect and how to view it. What is a partial solar eclipse? A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially blocking out the sun’s light. By contrast, in a total solar eclipse the moon completely blocks the sun’s light.