Thomas Ling
Digital editor, BBC Science Focus
Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.
Recent articles by Thomas Ling
Instant Genius Podcast | How to overcome social paranoia and anxiety
A psychologist explains simple ways to crush social paranoia by building your self-esteem.
The (very very weird) reasons cat lick people
Sorry, it's not because they secretly love you.
Your fingerprints aren't unique after all, discovers AI
The breakthrough could re-open many criminal cold cases.
Your tastebuds are the key to preventing overeating, groundbreaking study suggests
New insights into appetite suppression could lead to revolutionary new weight loss drugs.
Top 10: Most dangerous animals in the world
Which animal kills the most humans per year? Spoiler: it's not sharks.
A giant asteroid explosion didn’t kill off the dinosaurs. Dust did
New research suggests dust in Earth’s atmosphere was a leading cause of a mass extinction 66 million years ago.
Flamingoes aren't born pink. Here’s the (very bizarre) reason they take on that colour
As shown in BBC's Life in Colour, flamingos aren't born with that colour.
Instant Genius Podcast | Neil DeGrasse Tyson explains the Universe’s greatest mysteries
What’s beyond our Universe? Will time travel ever be possible? And what might aliens look like? The acclaimed astrophysicist answers all.
The bizarre science of cat behaviour
Why our feline friends may be much more intelligent than you'd think.
How to cool down quickly: 4 surprising, science-backed ways to cope with a heatwave
Top tip: focus on cooling your hands, not face.
What we’re all getting wrong about ADHD
The biggest myths and unknowns of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The secrets of the immortal jellyfish, Earth's longest-living animal
How does the immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) live for so long? A leading scientist explains all.
Instant Genius Podcast | Weight loss: What actually works?
Here's what actually happens in your body during a calorie deficit.
Instant Genius Podcast | How to overcome imposter syndrome
The psychology behind why you may feel like a fraud – and how to break free of the mind trap.
Instant Genius Podcast | The four-day workweek, with Alex Pang
Plus, the impact of working less on your physical and mental health.
Sony SRS-XV800 wireless party speaker review: Exceptional multipurpose device with superior sound
The formidably bulky Bluetooth device is capable of truly impressive audio.
Why do beavers build dams?
No, beavers don't actually live in dams – but they still serve a special purpose.
Instant Genius Podcast | How mental imagery training could boost your motivation
The new science of functional imagery training.
Scientists have finally solved the mystery behind this optical illusion
A new breakthrough study has discovered how 'simultaneous contrast' pictures trick your eyes.
Instant Genius Podcast | How to spot a narcissist, with Dr Erica Hepper
Plus, the simple way to tell if you're one.
Shark IZ202UK review: A cordless vacuum behemoth best for pet owners
Shark's IZ202UK vacuum cleaner is a flexible, powerful machine that will easily clean lingering pet hair in your home.
What causes déjà vu? The quirky neuroscience behind the memory illusion
Why déjà vu is far from a memory fault – and how some people experience it constantly.
The (very cute) science of why cats knead
Spoiler: it's all your fault.
Instant Genius Podcast | Time travel, with Lawrence Krauss
Will time travel ever be possible?