The field of mind-body medicine is plagued by wild claims that mislead patients and instil false hope. But that doesn't mean the mind plays no role in health. By taking a scientific approach to understanding how our mental state influences our physiology, can we finally live in tune with our bodies in a way that is based on evidence, not fantasy? In her eye-opening new book, Jo Marchant delves deep into the latest scientific research and asks these questions: - Are those who turn to alternative medicine deluded, or are they on to something? - Do our thoughts, beliefs and emotions influence our physical health? - Can we train our brains to heal our bodies? Cure takes us on a remarkable journey and offers a new and thought-provoking view of what it means to be human.

About the Author

Dr Jo Marchant is an award-winning science journalist based in London. She has a PhD in genetics and medical microbiology from St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College in London, and an MSc in Science Communication (with a dissertation in evidence-based medicine) from Imperial College London. She has worked as an editor at New Scientist and at Nature and her articles have appeared in publications including The Guardian, Wired UK, The Observer Review, New Scientist and at Nature. Her radio and TV appearances include BBC Radio 4's Start the Week and Today programmes, CNN and National Geographic. She has lectured around the world. Her book Decoding the Heavens was shortlisted for the 2009 Royal Society Prize for Science Books.