Do you worry that your memory is not as good as it used to be? There could be a good reason for that which has nothing to do with getting older. Research shows simply having your phone near you when you are trying to memorise something reduces how well you do it. This is because, even when the phone is face down on silent, your brain is still monitoring it. Even resisting the urge to check notifications consumes mental resources.

This is one of five tips neuroscience researcher Elva Arulchelvan has compiled to get our memories working more effectively. Whether you’re revising for exams or trying to remember what ingredients to buy for dinner, there’s an invaluable tip in here for you.

Elsewhere, biomedical professor Justin Stebbing digs into a fascinating new study that suggests people who have been married may be less likely to develop cancer. While the study shows a pattern, it doesn’t prove that marriage is the cause.

And five UK politics experts tell us what to watch out for in next month’s devolved and local elections.