Andy Ridgway
Andy Ridgway is a Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at the University of the West of England in Bristol and Programme Leader of the MSc in Science Communication. An award-winning journalist with over 20 years’ experience, he is a judge of the Medical Research Council’s Max Perutz Science Writing Award. His research is focused around online communication and food waste behaviour.
Recent articles by Andy Ridgway
Do you have a caffeine problem? These are the signs to look out for
Have you become reliant on that daily cup of coffee? Science says there are three key indicators to look for
How the right amount of caffeine unlocks lifelong benefits for your body and mind
For many, caffeine is considered a guilty pleasure. But there is growing evidence that our daily fix isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it might actually be doing us some good.
Put down the disinfectant: Should we be encouraging helpful bacteria into our homes?
Bacteria aren’t always bad. Some, like the billions that live in our guts, are vital for our health. So should we make our homes and cities more hospitable to these beneficial microbes?
Why the promise of nuclear fusion is no longer a pipe dream
Fusion – combining atomic nuclei to release energy – is a clean and safe way to power our homes and industry. This ‘holy grail’ of energy has eluded physicists for decades, but there are signs that a bright future could be on the horizon.
In pictures: Inside the race for nuclear fusion power
Take a look inside the fusion reactors around the world that are bringing us closer to achieving the dream.
How animal vaccines will prevent the next human pandemic
The coronavirus vaccines currently being injected across the world are our escape route to normality. But keeping deadly viruses at bay may require brand-new mass wildlife vaccination programmes.
Beyond DNA | How proteins let us get up close and personal to our ancient relatives
Palaeoproteomics, a new technology that studies the proteins of ancient remains, is shaking up history. Not only can we now peer further back in time, but the technique is also letting us see our past in a new way.
5 hacks to supercharge your willpower
New Year, new you… if only it was that simple. These simple mind tricks will help you take your powers of self-control to the next level.
How dogs can help us live longer, healthier lives
Our best friends’ biology could unlock the secret to ageing well.
Can owning a dog extend your life?
All those walkies might actually be good for something.
Coronavirus vaccine | The race to create a cure for COVID-19
How scientists will bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus treatments | Five alternatives to vaccines
A vaccine for COVID-19 could take over a year to be completed. In the meantime, here are five drugs being tested as possible treatments.
A scientist's guide to life | 7 essential marathon training tips
The London marathon has been postponed, but exercise is vital right now. Here’s how to tackle a 26.2-mile run, with sports scientist Dan Gordon.
A scientist's guide to life | 8 tips for growing indoor plants
Stuck at home and cultivating a houseplant habit? Botanist Alastair Culham explains how to keep them happy, healthy and alive.
This article is scientifically proven to improve your willpower
New Year, new you… if only it was that simple. But it turns out scientists are discovering there are some mind tricks that can take your powers of self-control to the next level…
Bah, Humbug! | Why positive thinking is overrated
Practising positivity isn't all it's cracked up to be - in fact, sometimes it's worth introducing a little pessimism into your life.
Deepfakes | The fight against this dangerous use of AI
Next-generation artificial intelligence is threatening to take internet fakery to a dangerous new level. We meet the experts who are fighting back.
Future technology | 5 innovative vehicles delivering the future of transportation
From hyper-fast trains to flying taxis, we look at the vehicles that are set to transform how we get around.
Mass extinction | Can we stop it?
Research into past mass extinctions is providing fresh insights into the environmental challenges we face today.
The brain | Can you really think yourself healthy?
New research is discovering that the way you think about life can fend off infection, help you live longer and even spare you from the surgeon’s knife.
Can maths defeat terrorism?
Acts of terrorism always come as a shocking surprise. But mathematicians are spotting patterns in terrorist atrocities and behaviour that may help to counter the threat
Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway: the next space station will orbit the Moon
As the International Space Station nears the end of its life, we look at the plans to build a next-generation outpost near the Moon.
After the International Space Station - what comes next?
The future of the ISS is uncertain, so what does our future in space look like?
Don't worry, be lazy
It’s tempting to kick back and relax over the warm summer days. Happily, there’s scientific proof that this is exactly the right thing to do.