The Know Daily - Monday 26 January 2026

_{Read in 4m 24s ∙ Listening to Tyler Hubbard ∙}

You’ve heard of the Year of the Horse but what about the Year of the Octopus? Well, that’s what 2025 is being hailed as off England’s south coast 🐙 Record sightings of these intelligent creatures are exciting scientists and swimmers alike, spotlighting the surprising richness of local marine life.

🎨 Art as medicine

A first-of-its-kind study launched by Art Fund’s National Art Pass provides scientific evidence that spending time in an art gallery isn’t just pleasant, it can have real physical effects too. It backs up something a lot of people already feel instinctively: that viewing an original artwork in a gallery space can help reduce physical symptoms of stress.

So what did the study find?
The study undertaken by researchers at King’s College London measured people’s physical responses while they viewed original artworks in a gallery, and compared them with people looking at reproductions. Those seeing the real artworks had cortisol levels – the hormone linked to stress – drop by 22%. 

Why does seeing art in person matter?
One of the key findings was that viewing original artworks had a stronger relaxing effect than reproduced prints. Being in the same space as the artwork – its scale, texture and presence – triggered a fuller emotional and physical response. Researchers say this combination of engagement and relaxation may help explain why people often leave galleries feeling lighter or more grounded.

Is this just about stress?
Not quite. The study looked at multiple systems in the body at once, including heart activity and immune responses. It’s important to note that art is not a cure-all, but these cultural experiences can play a small, supportive role in overall wellbeing – especially when stress levels are high.

What does this mean for everyday life?
It’s a reminder that looking after yourself doesn’t always have to mean a workout class or another wellbeing app. Sometimes it can be as simple as wandering around a gallery for half an hour. That’s where things like Art Fund’s National Art Pass come in – it lets you pop into hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places for free or at a discount, and opens a world of possibilities to discover more art for less. 

The bigger picture.
With more focus on preventative health and mental wellbeing, studies like this help reframe art as more than a “nice extra”. It’s culture, yes – but it can also be a quiet, accessible way to support both mental and physical health. No prescription required, just a gallery door and a bit of mooching time.

💰 Money Monday: Ever heard of a “savings ladder”? It’s an old-school money move that’s suddenly back in the conversation – but not everyone’s buying into it. 

• The bigger story: A savings ladder means spreading your savings across fixed-term accounts that unlock at different times, so your money keeps earning while still becoming available regularly. Around four in ten adults are using this approach as interest rates shift. Younger savers, though, are playing it differently. They’re after flexibility, easy access and everyday rewards over locking cash away for slightly higher returns.

🧗‍♀️ An American rock climber has made history by scaling one of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth with no ropes or safety gear.

📱 France’s president Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to speed up the start of a social media ban for under-15s.

🪶 A feminist historian has claimed that William Shakespeare was in fact a pen name used by this poet. 

📱 TikTok has finalised the deal to create a majority American-owned joint venture that will secure data – and avoid a US ban.

👠 The Traitors captivated the country again this January – but apparently the contestants’ fashion choices played an important role. Dress to kill and all that!

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: A new London Overground branch, 40 jobs AI can’t touch and Hollywood’s biggest animated film of all time.

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Trivia answer: A) This April, Rio de Janeiro will pass the title onto Rabat, which will be hosting events to celebrate throughout the year.

*T&Cs: The offer is a three-month trial of Art Fund membership for one person entitling the holder to all National Art Pass discounts as listed on the Art Fund’s website and Art In Your Inbox email subscription. Subscription to Art Quarterly magazine and Art Map publication are not included. The trial National Art Pass is available to purchase for £20 until 11:59pm 31 January 2026. Please note that this offer is available to first-time members only. If you’ve previously had a trial membership or annual National Art Pass, this offer isn’t available to you. The trial National Art Pass will be valid for three calendar months from the date of payment. The expiry date will be rounded up to the end of the month of expiry. Offer cannot be used to change or renew existing memberships. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or on gift memberships. 18+, Ts & Cs apply. Please find the full Terms and Conditions here.

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