Editor's note

Our skin is an important gatekeeper for the body’s immune system. But if food enters the body via the skin rather than the mouth, our immune system’s capacity to recognise a harmless substance can become confused, leading to an allergic reaction. The reasons behind the rise in food allergies are complex, and Sara Brown explains how understanding the role our skin plays could lead to new treatments.

More than 300,000 computers were infected by the Wannacry ransomware cyberattack in 2017. But instead of blanket targeting, hackers are now focusing their attention on a smaller number of vulnerable but high-value companies. Lena Connolly and David Wall take a look at how ransomware became personal.

Running is a fun way to keep fit, but for some people, it goes too far. Running becomes an addiction. And, as with all addictions, it can start to affect your social life, career, mental and physical health. Andrew Wood and Martin Turner explain what to do when a path paved with good intentions starts to go wrong.

After the attack on two mosques that left 50 people dead in New Zealand, many came together over the weekend in the hope of coming to terms with events and in a search for answers. It’s clear there will need to be much soul searching. Greg Barton writes from Australia on a toxic political environment that allowed hate to flourish. You can read more analysis on events here.

Jane Wright

Commissioning Editor, Scotland

Top stories

David Lee/Flickr

Food allergies: what you need to know about the role your skin plays

Sara Brown, University of Dundee

With food allergies on the rise, it's important to understand the role the skin plays in protecting or exposing us to reactions.

Andrey Popov/Shutterstock

Hackers are making personalised ransomware to target the most profitable and vulnerable

Lena Connolly, University of Leeds; David Wall, University of Leeds

The latest malware is designed especially to make small companies pay through the nose for their data.

lzf/Shutterstock

Why some people can’t stop running, according to sport psychology

Andrew Wood, Staffordshire University; Martin J Turner, Staffordshire University

Running can be addictive. Here's how to beat that addiction.

A cacophony of hateful rhetoric has made it hard for those tasked with spotting the emergence of violent extremism to separate it from the background noise. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Christchurch attacks are a stark warning of toxic political environment that allows hate to flourish

Greg Barton, Deakin University

There is deep sadness in the Christchurch attacks, but little shock. We need to address the permissive political environment that allows such hateful extremism to be promulgated so openly.

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