Stories

Our words and pictures explore the connections between science, medicine, life and art. Dive into a story no matter where in the world you are. (Want to write for us? Here's how.)

Mutation comic by Rob Bidder (detail)
  • Comic

Mutation

Mutation is what makes us who we are. Be a proud mutant and keep mutating.

Part of Body Squabbles

Photograph of a smart phone held in a selfie-stick, in front of a colourful swirly background. The background pattern is repeated on the phone screen.
  • Serial
Part5

Self-obsessing in the age of selfies

The tiny, joyful spark of a social media ‘like’ can lead to a damaging obsession. Find out how far people will go when their phone addiction gets the upper hand.

Part of Intoxicating Histories

Photographic portrait of Emily Sargent, curator of the exhibition Living with Buildings at Wellcome Collection. Emily is leaning against a pillar within the exhibition space, with a hanging yellow drape to the left and the title of the exhibition to the right.
  • Interview

Inside the mind of Living with Buildings curator, Emily Sargent

Curator Emily Sargent reveals why council estates and a Finnish TB sanatorium were chosen for the ‘Living with Buildings’ exhibition.

Part of Behind the Scenes

Buildings comic by Rob Bidder (detail)
  • Comic

Buildings

What language do the buildings surrounding you speak?

Part of Body Squabbles

Photograph of syringe filled with liquid sticking out of a colourful background.
  • Serial
Part4

Deadly doses and the hardest of hard drugs

The invention of the modern hypodermic syringe meant we could get high – or accidentally die – faster than before. Find out how this medical breakthrough was adapted for deadly uses.

Part of Intoxicating Histories

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  • Essay

Dying at home and the doctor’s role

Our anonymous GP talks about the bittersweet rewards of supporting a patient when he chose to die at home.

Part of The Secret GP

Bacteria comic by Rob Bidder (detail)
  • Comic

Bacteria

Are we human, or are we bacteria?

Part of Body Squabbles

Photograph of an e-cigarette, against a colourful abstract background surrounded by wisps of smoke.
  • Serial
Part3

Inhaling happiness and gasping for a high

The rapid, short-lived high we get from whippets, reefers and vapes can be accompanied by long-term health consequences. The search is on for safer ways to get stoned.

Part of Intoxicating Histories

An image of a videogame city being designed, showing wireframes used to sculpt buildings.
  • Essay

Designing death in the virtual city

Danger and death are fun when they’re virtual – and when they incorporate realistic elements. Now the tables are turned, as urban planners learn from game environments.
Hallucination comic by Rob Bidder (detail)
  • Comic

Hallucination

When your sight is impaired, you might just see more than you ever thought possible

Part of Body Squabbles

Photograph of a pretend sheet of LSD tabs with a butterfly motif, against a colourful abstract background.
  • Serial
Part2

Tripping for spiritualism and science

Getting high in the name of religion or creativity has been practised for centuries. Now it seems hallucinogenics could help treat mental illnesses too.

Part of Intoxicating Histories