Fear is one of the most powerful emotions the human brain can produce. We all have experienced it at some point in our lives. Whether that be through horror movies, walking in the dark, getting a test back or many other scenarios. Biologically, “fear” is designed to protect us. When the brain senses danger, the amygdala activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. Our heart rate increases, breathing quickens, and attention sharpens. For our ancestors, this response helped them escape real physical threats.

For centuries, surgery has required a delicate balance of skill, precision, and stamina. But now in the 21st century, someone or shall I say something, has now entered the operating theatre: the surgical robot. Recently, the latest generation of robotic surgical technology (the Da Vinci 5 system developed by Intuitive Surgical) received regulatory clearance in the United States for certain cardiac procedures. This incredible milestone highlights how technology is rapidly reshaping the future of medicine and more specifically our future of medicine.

Few habits feel as harmless – or as tempting – as the daytime nap after a tough day at school. A quick lie-down between lessons, in the car, a “power nap” after school, ten minutes that quietly stretches into an hour. In a society that often celebrates productivity hacks and sleep optimisation, napping is frequently displayed as a smart way to reset energy.
But beneath its cosy reputation, daytime napping carries hidden biological and psychological costs that are often overlooked.

What if it were possible to see inside a living body without surgery, without X-rays, and without any heavy machinery? Recent research published in ‘Science’ suggests we might be closer to that future than we think (at least in animals). A team of scientists from the University of Texas at Dallas and Stanford University have discovered a surprising way to make living mouse skin nearly transparent using something as simple as food dye.

This article idea actually came during the Paris trip while eating savoury crepes for lunch before our concert. I cannot quite remember what the cold stimulus was, but one of us experienced an excruciating pain in our head, immediately pushing us all to think about how brain freezes work when the brain cannot experience pain. Shortly afterwards, Kenzie, Siobhan and Alice immediately exclaimed for the 6th time during the trip (this was a regular occurrence), “This would make a great Unconquered Peaks article title!” So, thank you guys, all credit goes to you on this one.