Can your mindset shape your health, happiness and longevity?

You’ve probably heard of the placebo effect. And perhaps you’re aware that sugar pills can accelerate healing. 

But did you know that your overall expectations of your own fitness can influence your risk of an actual heart attack? 

What about the notion that labels for diet foods can make you hungrier than if you had eaten nothing at all? 

Or that people who associate ageing with personal growth live for seven years longer than those who associate it with frailty and disability?

When New Scientist Live comes to Manchester Central this March, science writer and author David Robson will discuss all this and more as he explains the power of your mindset to influence your health, fitness, happiness and longevity.

Drawing on a pioneering new theory of the brain, David’s event is just one of many thought-provoking talks, ground-breaking discoveries, interactive experiences and hands-on activities, workshops and performances you can expect at the mind-blowing festival of ideas.

Renowned Professor of Theoretical Physics, Jim Al-Khalili will explore how thinking scientifically can help us navigate today’s world, and science writer Michael Marshall will delve into the quest for life’s origin – one of the most profound questions we can ask.

Dr Daniel Jolley will help us understand why some people believe in conspiracy theories, and Dr Beth Singler will explore the hopes and fears that AI and robots inspire in us.

Metabolic researcher Dr Giles Yeo will explain how our body works harder to extract calories from some food compared to others, which is why calories don’t always count, while Dr Jennifer Wild will reveal seven key tools to help tackle stress and fear.

Other topics for talks include Dr Emma Yhnell on the risks of personal genetic testing, Dr Fraser Smith on the battle for male mental health, Jon Copley on how humanity is exploring the deep ocean, and Stephanie Wright on how the material that makes up plastic bottles can enter the human body via our airways, with future health impacts.

It will be the first time New Scientist Live has come to Manchester, a world-class hub of scientific and technological learning, research, innovation and industry.

Over 9,000 visitors, 40 speakers and 30 exhibitors are expected at the event, alongside a global audience of 5,000 online, with the first two days, a Saturday and Sunday, open to all, and the final day, Monday, dedicated to schools and home learners. 

Or if you would rather enjoy the event from the comfort of your home, all the stage talks from Saturday and Sunday will be streamed live, and the Engage Stage will be connecting a virtual audience with the stimulating experiences and engaging activities that New Scientist Live is famous for. 

All the talks from the Saturday and Sunday of the event will also be available on-demand for 12 months afterwards, so if you miss any of the talks or just want to relive your favourite moments from the weekend, you can do so at your leisure.

Fun, entertaining, informative and inspirational, New Scientist Live will stimulate the mind and senses like no other event.

New Scientist Live will come to Manchester Central on 12th-13th March 2022, with 14th March a schools only day. The talks will also be available online.