Humans
- Psychology
Searching for better, cooler friends might backfire
When people try to find the best possible people to hang out with, they become less happy in life, a new study finds.
- Tech
Star Trek gets closer to becoming home tech
Inspired by Star Trek, inventors have created handheld devices to diagnose common medical ailments.
- Chemistry
Scientists know that you pee in the pool
A new way to find urine in pools and hot tubs measures the concentration of an artificial sweetener in the water.
- Health & Medicine
Ötzi the mummified Iceman actually froze to death
Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy whose icy 5,300-year-old remains turned up in the Alps in 1991, died of the cold — not murder. That’s the result of new forensic analyses.
- Health & Medicine
Concerns explode over new health risks of vaping
A host of brand new studies unearth worrisome health concerns related to teen vaping.
- Health & Medicine
Just viewing super-size meals can promote overeating
Large portions of food dampen activity in a brain area involved in self-control, a new study shows.
- Brain
Food smells better to sleepyheads
People who want to resist junk foods or overeating may want to make sure they get a good night’s rest. Being tired makes the scent of foods more appealing, a new study finds.
- Psychology
Noticing mistakes boosts learning
People who pay attention to their mistakes are more likely to do better the next time, data show.
- Brain
Among mice, scratching is catching — as in contagious
Contagious itching spreads by sight, mouse-to-mouse. Scientists have now identified brain structures behind this phenomenon.
- Health & Medicine
Early birds eat better
People who love mornings tend to eat healthier food throughout the day. This could help explain why night owls tend be less healthy overall.
- Tech
Cool Jobs: Doing real science in virtual worlds
Virtual reality isn’t just for gamers. Scientists are using VR technology to tackle real-world problems.
- Science & Society
Legalizing pot may confuse teens into thinking it’s safe
A growing number of teens think marijuana is no big deal, a new study finds. And that may encourage many to experiment with its use.
