Health & Medicine

More Stories in Health & Medicine

  1. Health & Medicine

    Science works to demystify hair and help it behave

    Research explores new ways to classify hair — from loose curls to tight coils — along with ways to control it and improve its looks and health.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  2. Brain

    Here’s why being creative is good for your brain

    Neuroarts, a new field of science, is finding that exposure to arts can improve learning, behavior and mental health.

    By Avery Elizabeth Hurt
  3. Animals

    In 2024, bird flu posed big risks ­— and to far more than birds

    Cows, elephant seals and polar bears are among unexpected bird flu casualties. Learn about potential risks to them, to people and to our food supplies.

    By Tina Hesman Saey, Erin Garcia de Jesús and Janet Raloff
  4. Animals

    Can furry pets get H5N1 bird flu and spread it to us?

    The 2024 pandemic-style bird flu circulating in birds has shown up in cats and other pet species.

    By Tina Hesman Saey, Erin Garcia de Jesús and Janet Raloff
  5. Genetics

    The discovery of microRNA wins the 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology

    Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered tiny snippets of genetic material, called microRNAs, that play a big role in making sure cells work as they should.

    By Tina Hesman Saey and Sophie Hartley
  6. Microbes

    More than 100 types of bacteria found living in microwave ovens

    More than 30 microwave ovens were sampled in a range of different settings. The microbes in them included ones that can cause food poisoning in people.

    By Abdullahi Tsanni
  7. Chemistry

    Explainer: How cells use chemistry to make the electricity of life

    Charged particles, or ions, constantly move in and out of cells. These migrations produce tiny electric currents, which power your brain, heart and more.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  8. Health & Medicine

    Explainer: Anatomy of a heartbeat

    Here’s how the heart pumps blood to each and every cell of the body. It beats roughly 60 times every minute, starting before we’re born.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  9. Brain

    Zap, zap, zap! Our bodies are electric

    Electricity powers key functions in the brain, heart and bone. Scientists are working to understand those currents to improve our health and moods.

    By Bethany Brookshire