Dr Helen Pilcher

Illness affects everybody. But despite the marvels of modern medicine, we're becoming sicker than previous generations. Helen Pilcher explains why and what we can do about it.

Join former neuroscientist and science writer Helen Pilcher as she explores one of medicine's best-kept secrets: the nocebo effect. It's the placebo's evil twin and it might be making you ill.

In her latest book, Helen investigates how our thoughts (conscious or not) can trigger real physical symptoms: pain, nausea, paralysis, even blindness. From Havana Syndrome to mystery illnesses spreading through social media, Helen and asks why, despite all our medical advances, we seem to be getting sicker.

This is as far from dull medical science as you could get. Expect a witty, myth-busting hour that will change how you think about illness, medicine, and the extraordinary power of the mind.

About the author:
Helen Pilcher is a science writer and former neuroscientist with a PhD in cell biology. She contributes regularly to BBC Wildlife and BBC Science Focus, and has penned many popular science books. Her book Life Changing was named a Science Book of the Year by The Times and was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing.