Tom Howarth
Tom is trends editor at BBC Science Focus. He obtained an MPhil degree in advanced chemical engineering from the University of Cambridge, where he conducted research into amyloid protein folding using fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Before joining BBC Science Focus, Tom worked as a science communicator at the European Southern Observatory and has previously written GreenBiz and Geographical Magazine too. Today, he covers all types of trending science stories, from ecology to epidemiology, chemistry to computer science.
Recent articles by Tom Howarth
This massive 'zombie' volcano might not be so dead after all
This sleeping giant has plenty going on beneath the surface. Should we be worried?
Massive star-forming cloud found strangely close to Earth
Don’t expect a second Sun anytime soon, though
Inside the mission that captured the first-ever video of a colossal squid
How a remote expedition to one of the most isolated places on Earth led to a once-in-a-century sighting
The surprising way your body fat sabotages intermittent fasting
A study in mice reveals that obesity could change how our bodies respond to periods of fasting
Videos reveal lax biosecurity in New York poultry markets amid bird flu outbreaks
As bird flu cases mount at inner city poultry markets, footage obtained by BBC Science Focus shows workers and the public exposed without recommended biosecurity measures
The new ‘Bone Collector’ caterpillar wears the remains of its prey – and we have the footage to prove it
A newly discovered caterpillar species has a macabre fashion sense, to say the least
This (creepy) Roman skeleton offers first proof of a gladiator fighting a lion – and losing
Bite marks from a Roman skeleton found in England have revealed the first physical evidence that gladiators fought with big cats. The results were not pretty
Scientists analysed 8 million US speeches – and uncovered a surprising trend
Machine learning has revealed how US political rhetoric shifted from evidence to emotion over the past 140 years
Lyrids meteor shower tonight: How and when to see the ancient fireball display
Prepare to be dazzled as the Lyrids light up the sky for the next few days
Something strange is happening to Earth’s rotation. Now we know why
Earth is wobbling more than it should. Scientists say massive water losses are to blame
Narcissism shows differently in men and women. Here’s how to spot it
Not every narcissist is a Patrick Bateman waiting in the wings
Here’s the truth about your ‘digital dementia’ risk
New analysis shows that technology might provide cognitive benefits, despite bad press
Even protein-rich vegan diets may fall short on key nutrients, study suggests
A bold new study has found that you could be getting enough protein – but not enough amino acids
Scientists may have just solved one of space’s biggest mysteries
Why carbon-rich asteroids rarely reach the ground may hold the key to our cosmic origin story.
Archaeologists uncover Maya ‘emotional wasteland’ littered with eerie skeletons
Archaeologists have uncovered a foreign altar buried deep in the heart of a Maya city – and the remains around it tell a chilling story
Something really strange is happening to one of our closest galactic neighbours
A nearby galaxy is being shredded by gravity – and it could rewrite our cosmic history
Here's what your hearing could say about your heart failure risk
A new study suggests hearing loss could raise your risk of heart failure – and reveal early warning signs of trouble
Facebook is still experimenting on you in really strange ways, research claims
Few people fully understand how social algorithms work – and it's having major consequences
Schrödinger’s cat just got warmer, and quantum physics may never be the same again
90 years on from the famous thought experiment’s conception, researchers have broken a crucial barrier in quantum physics.
Here are the worst coffee types for your cholesterol levels
Your morning cup of joe might pack a punch – just not the kind you expect
Something very strange is happening to tornadoes across the US. And scientists are baffled
After another explosive start to tornado season, twisters are cropping up in unexpected places – and the big picture isn’t looking any clearer
This 7,000-year-old mummy DNA has revealed a ‘ghost’ branch of humanity
Ancient remains hidden in a Libyan cave have opened the door to a long lost human lineage
Antibiotic resistance could soon spiral out of control. This could be our last defence
A new study warns that antibiotic use in livestock could soar by 2040 – threatening both human health and global food security
This 3-day-a-week diet could be a vital weight loss strategy, say scientists
Sticking to any diet is tough. This trick may help you achieve your weight loss goals