Noa Leach

News editor, BBC Science Focus

Noa Leach is the News Editor at BBC Science Focus. With an MPhil degree in Criticism & Culture from the University of Cambridge, Noa has studied cultural responses to the climate crisis, wildlife, and toxicity. Before joining BBC Science Focus, Noa was the Editor of The Wildlife Trust BCN’s magazine Local Wildlife. Her writing has been shortlisted for the Future Places Environmental Essay Prize.

Recent articles by Noa Leach

You (probably) have a fibre deficiency – and it could be accelerating your ageing

Most adults in the UK and US are fibre deficient. Now, experts say it could be behind high levels of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
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A new colour of cat has been discovered

After years of research, a Finnish team of researchers have finally worked out what’s behind the colouring of ‘salty liquorice’ cats.
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Peanut allergies could ‘plummet’ by 71% with simple new intervention

A new paper reveals that introducing peanuts into a young child’s diet could provide them long-term prevention of allergies.
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‘Alien Earth’ close to our planet could host life, scientists discover

A rare discovery of a planet 40 light years away could provide crucial answers to questions about life in the Universe.
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Here's the best diet for keeping your brain young, according to neuroscientists

Following a popular (and delicious) diet could give you a nutrient that matches people with the youngest brains, according to a new study.
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These scientists want to make Chernobyl’s radiation glow. Here’s why

Sunglasses at night, a strange but genius invention, and abandoned radioactive mines in the desert: Meet the scientists making uranium glow.
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Here’s which cats will live the longest, according to science

Cats’ lifespans haven’t received much attention – but we now know a lot more about how long our furry friends might live.
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Stress during pregnancy could make girls' IQs higher but boys' lower

New research says too much exposure to a stress hormone in pregnancy could lower children’s IQs – but girls may be more immune to its effects.
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Here’s how ultra-processed foods actually change your lifespan - major new study

Ultra-processed food is probably bad for you – but a 30-year study suggests it may not be as harmful as previously thought.
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New ‘map of consciousness’ could help to wake up coma patients

Scientists may finally have cracked the code of what makes us experience consciousness.
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Origin of Earth's 'second moon' discovered

Our ‘second moon’ probably came from our first, but an asteroid sampling mission could put this theory to the test.
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Wildlife conservation can work, says major new study. But Chris Packham warns ‘time is running out’

A large review of conservation studies has found that efforts have made a real difference in protecting the planet’s biological diversity – but others say we haven’t done enough.
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Monumentally massive explosion spotted on mysterious dead star

A satellite in the right place at the right time has captured an important cosmic sight.
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Inside the bold project to find your menopausal age – and reverse it

Scientists could soon unveil the genetic secrets of your reproductive lifespan and fertility.
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‘Giant fish lizard’ bigger than megalodon could be largest marine reptile ever discovered

Step aside, meg: Scientists have uncovered the biggest marine reptile ever, and it’s a prehistoric beast.
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