How positivity affects health, the rise of scabies and bovine intelligence episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 21 MIN

How positivity affects health, the rise of scabies and bovine intelligence

from Science Weekly · host The Guardian

The Guardian’s science editor, Ian Sample, talks to Madeleine Finlay about three eye-catching science stories from the week, including a study that suggests positive thinking can boost immune response. Also on the agenda is the mysterious rise of scabies in the UK, and the discovery that cows are more adept with tools than previously known. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

The Guardian’s science editor, Ian Sample, talks to Madeleine Finlay about three eye-catching science stories from the week, including a study that suggests positive thinking can boost immune response. Also on the agenda is the mysterious rise of scabies in the UK, and the discovery that cows are more adept with tools than previously known. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod">theguardian.com/sciencepod</a>

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How positivity affects health, the rise of scabies and bovine intelligence

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This episode was published on January 22, 2026.

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The Guardian’s science editor, Ian Sample, talks to Madeleine Finlay about three eye-catching science stories from the week, including a study that suggests positive thinking can boost immune response. Also on the agenda is the mysterious rise of...

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