Health & Medicine

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: THC

    The active chemical in marijuana might have some medicinal value. But studies point to THC's potential risks, especially for teens.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  9. Health & Medicine

    Skin appears to be no barrier for some common ‘forever’ chemicals

    These PFAS, which have been linked to health problems, show up in many products that we touch every day — including clothes and food packaging.

    By Abdullahi Tsanni
  10. Health & Medicine

    Use of injectable GLP-1 weight-loss drugs skyrockets among teens

    Their long-term safety is still an issue for kids. Meanwhile, a new vibrating robotic pill in early trials might offer an edible alternative to GLP-1s.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  11. Health & Medicine

    Want to avoid getting sick? Adopt these immune-boosting behaviors

    Research points to ways we can work to stay healthy, even in the face of germs.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  12. Health & Medicine

    Python fangs inspired a fix for shoulder injuries common in sports

    Curved teeth could grip fragile shoulder tendons without tearing, making rotator-cuff repairs stronger and more likely to last. 

    By Claire Yuan
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