The presence of multiple orbiting companions is incompatible with the mechanism of stellar formation so they must be planets after all.

ECONOMIST: Planet hunting

This has led Dr Arendt to suggest that rather than being a part of a disease process, the formation of the tau protein could be a mechanism by which the brain protects itself.

ECONOMIST: Dementia

Dr Blumberg believes the compound interferes with the body's normal fat-formation process, and puts its fat-storage mechanism on overdrive, plumping up the person.

ECONOMIST: Obesity