Humans

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- Brain
Why teens can’t help tuning out mom’s voice
Teens often tune out what their mom is saying. Normal brain changes during adolescence could explain why, new research shows.
- Health & Medicine
Joggers run at an energy-efficient pace, new data show
Fitness trackers and treadmill tests show that a runner’s speed tends to vary little, regardless of the distance they run.
By Chris Gorski - Fossils
Bright-colored feathers may have topped pterosaurs’ heads
Fossil remains of a flying reptile hint that their vibrant crests may have originated 250 million years ago in a common ancestor with dinosaurs.
- Humans
Scientists Say: Denisovan
The Denisovans were a recently discovered population of ancient hominids.
- Humans
Let’s learn about sleep
Sleep is key for health and wellbeing — but early school start times and screen time make it harder for teens to get shuteye.
- Physics
Muons reveal the inner worlds of pyramids, volcanoes and more
Tracking these subatomic particles can uncover surprising hidden structures.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Primate
Primates are mammals that tend to have big brains, forward-facing vision, fingernails and flexible hands and feet.
- Tech
Teen-designed tech could expand access for people with disabilities
Several inventors at the 2022 Regeneron ISEF competition offered creative solutions that translate sign language and help blind people navigate.
By Anna Gibbs - Brain
Warning! Nicotine poses special risks to teens
Even a single dose of nicotine during early teen years can start a life-long cycle of nicotine use and addiction.
- Chemistry
Reusable plastic bottles release hundreds of pollutants into water
Data show the plastic ends up tainting drinking water. For now, scientists don’t know what health risks downing these pollutants might pose.
- Health & Medicine
Patches and robotic pills may one day replace injections
Instead of a shot in the arm, a light-activated patch or robotic pill may one day deliver your medicine.
- Health & Medicine
Your bloodstream may be littered with the plastic you’ve eaten
For the first time, scientists have found plastic particles circulating in human blood. No one yet knows whether those polluting bits might pose a risk to health.