Star comment: We must trust the science.

The mind is a powerful tool. Sometimes, we do not realise how powerful it is, nor do we realise that it can have negative connotations as well as the obvious positive ones.

New research has shown how some fool themselves into thinking the worst, when the truth is somewhat different.

Statins, the cholesterol-busting drugs taken by vast numbers, are imagined to have negative side effects. In fact, the downsides of taking statins are far, far less pronounced than some might imagine.

Research shows that the vast majority of side-effects from statins are imagined. Using a placebo in tests, scientists have proved that fewer than 10 per cent of users experience any side effects at all. That, however, is despite a massive 50 per cent of people claiming to suffer from side effects.

The challenge is that people who are not experiencing side effects imagine they are. The study reveals a worrying picture about our relationship with statins, though it could quite easily have been commissioned about the vaccine for Covid 19.

A miniscule minority has suffered adverse effects from the Covid jab, while an overwhelming majority has experienced no ill effects. However, the percentage of those who imagine the drug might harm them is far greater than the percentage that might be susceptible.

It is important that we do not slacken in our fight against the virus. Booster shots remain hugely important. We must not let the very vocal minority - including tennis champion Novak Djokovic – dissuade us from our path. People who cast doubt and spread conspiracy theories are not doing anyone any favours. We must trust the science.

There is much debate about the merit of honours – whether MPs and civil servants should be given an award for doing their job, or a celebrity a gong for being famous.

There is no argument, however, about the damehood given to Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert

The British scientist has collected her honour for helping to create the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, credited with saving millions of lives around the world.

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert co-created the jab, which has been used by more than 2.5 billion people in more than 170 countries.

Glamorous it wasn’t – she and her team worked 18-hour days to get the vaccine ready. It was exhausting mentally and physically as the clock ticked and Covid took hold.

She thoroughly deserves the congratulations – and gratitude – of an entire nation.