Science Weekly How positivity affects health, the rise of scabies and bovine intelligence
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Jan 22, 2026 
Ian Sample, The Guardian's science editor, and Dr. Michael Head, a public health researcher, dive into fascinating science stories. They discuss a study showing how positive thinking may enhance immune response. Dr. Head sheds light on the rising scabies cases in the UK, tackling symptoms, transmission challenges, and stigma. The duo also uncovers the surprising intelligence of cows, focusing on a cow named Veronica, who has been documented using tools. Their insights reveal the underestimated cognitive abilities of these animals.
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Positive Thinking Linked To Stronger Vaccine Response
- Neurofeedback that boosts the brain's reward system raised antibody responses to a hepatitis B vaccine.
- The effect was small and unproven to prevent infection, but it supports a brain–immune connection.
Encourage Positive Thinking In Clinical Care
- Clinicians can encourage positive thinking during treatment because it's low-cost and may modestly boost immunity.
- This should complement, not replace, standard medical treatments like vaccines or cancer therapy.
Scabies Cases Rising And Poorly Tracked
- Scabies diagnoses have risen sharply in the UK and some European countries since 2023, with sexual health clinics reporting a 44% increase.
- Diagnosis is difficult, stigmas persist, and data quality on scabies is poor, so true prevalence is uncertain.