Fear
Flying, spiders, snakes - there's a fear for everyone! Or maybe you're just feeling apprehensive? Whether you want to confront your fears or not, the science behind them can be fascinating and may help us understand and overcome them. If your palms are sweaty, your knees weak and your arms are heavy, adrenaline is likely running through your body, and this isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes fear comes with excitement, and it has been used in entertainment for centuries, however we draw the line at flying spider-snakes.
Simple ways to calm your stressed dog on fireworks night, according to an expert
A canine psychologist shares top tip to soothe your anxious pooch during bonfire night.
What is hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia?
At 36 letters long, it's one of the longest words in the dictionary.
It’s a gut feeling: A baby’s microbiome could affect its sense of fear
Not to mention their risk of mental health issues later in life.
I hate public speaking. Is ‘imagine the audience naked’ really the best advice for overcoming nerves?
Get sweaty night terrors over the idea of public speaking? It’s better to prepare for a speech than simply visualise the audience in the nuddy.
Nightmares may be good for you
Bad dreams could help us to prepare for potentially frightening situations.
Why do I have an irrational fear of crumpets?
Trypophobes beware this terrifying morning treat!
Why do we shake when we’re nervous or frightened?
Trembling before that interview or at the sight of a spider? Adrenaline is at work getting the muscles ready to fight or flee from the perceived threat.
How virtual reality is used in treating anxiety disorders
Psychologists led by Prof Daniel Freeman of Oxford University are using VR to help people overcome their fear of heights.
Why are cats scared of cucumbers?
Once you know why you'll stop trying to terrify your poor cat...
How to fall to your death and live to tell the tale
Slipping in the shower, tripping down the stairs, taking a tumble in the supermarket – falls kill over 420,000 people per year and hospitalise millions more. We can’t eliminate all falls, says Neil Steinberg. So we must to learn to fall better.
Why are clowns so scary?
Masks and makeup can disrupt our ability to read facial expressions, an important part of human social interaction.
Why do some people love horror films?
The thrill of a Hollywood jump-scare could serve as a practice run for the real thing.
Why do people enjoy rollercoaster rides?
Woohoo! Thrill seekers love a good theme park even though an enjoyment of danger seems counterintuitive to natural selection.
The science of fear: what makes us afraid?
If you have ever asked yourself ‘what is fear?’ then you have to be prepared to face your phobias and delve deep in to the science behind what makes us afraid.
Why do human screams grab our attention so easily?
Scientists think it may be something to do with their unique acoustic properties...
Public decides on demonic naming system for Pluto
New discoveries on the surface of the dwarf planet Pluto will be named after denizens of the underworld after public vote.
This is why these five classic horror movies creep us out
We asked Prof Joanne Cantor on why five of the most phobia-inducing movies scare the heebie-jeebies out of us.
Why isn’t everyone afraid of heights?
Suffering from a little vertigo? While you might not have full-blown acrophobia, you might still suffer from height intolerance.
Why do some people take more risks?
Close to the edge, risky business...
Is arachnophobia learned or an inbuilt instinct?
Incy-wincy spider climbed up the water spout, but is there a scientific reason why you scream and shout?
Lost without your smartphone? Here's why...
Do you feel like you've lost a limb when you accidentally leave your phone at home? Maybe you have nomophobia (and yes, that is a terrible pun)
What are the most common phobias?
Arachnophobia, or fear of spiders, heads most Top 10 lists, but there are many more frightful things to worry about out there.
How children ‘catch’ fear
Scared of spiders? Then don’t let that fear show in front of children. Scientists have found that children can become scared of apparently harmless objects if they see adults react in a frightened way.
Can dogs smell fear?
Like wolves, dogs have very sensitive senses.