Regular moderate exercise can reduce the risk of falling prey to upper respiratory tract infections, says Mike Gleason, professor of exercise biochemistry at the University of Loughborough. But don’t expect that more strenuous or prolonged exercise, such as running a marathon, will compound this benefit. On the contrary, he says, it’s more likely to increase susceptibility to colds and sore throats.

Speaking on 6 January at the Association for Science Education’s annual conference in Liverpool, …