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The healing sun

Throughout history, humans have revered the sun as a creator and destroyer of life; they have based their belief systems around it, as well as recognising the healing properties of sunlight. Today, indoor living and artificial light have diminished our relationship with the sun and the light–dark cycle it presides over, yet scientists are increasingly recognising the influence it wields over us and using this knowledge to improve our health and wellbeing.

Words by Linda Geddes

  • In pictures

About the author

Linda Geddes

Linda Geddes is a science journalist who specialises in biology, medicine and technology. She has worked as both an editor and reporter for New Scientist magazine, and has received numerous awards for her journalism, including the Association of British Science Writers’ award for Best Investigative Journalism. She is also the author of ‘Bumpology: The Myth-Busting Pregnancy Book for Curious Parents-To-Be’.