Humans
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Archaeology
Scientists Say: Stone Age
This vast, mysterious stretch of time marks the dawn of human civilizations.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Animals
Parrots may offer clues to how our intelligence evolved
Studies of the brainy birds’ abilities to use tools, solve puzzles, speak words and more may teach us about how our species got our smarts.
