Health & Medicine

  1. Plants

    Light pollution could be supercharging your pollen allergies

    Light pollution in North American cities seems to be tricking plants into releasing pollen for longer periods each year.

    By Natasha Vizcarra
  2. Humans

    Let’s learn about adrenaline

    In short bursts, this hormone can help you face your fears. But in the long run, too much of it can be unhealthy.

    By Maria Temming
  3. Health & Medicine

    Meet CLA, a naturally ‘healthy’ fat in burgers, ice cream and more

    Solid at room temp, the natural trans fat conjugated linoleic acid resembles saturated fats — except that it appears good for the body in many ways.

    By Janet Raloff
  4. Health & Medicine

    Here’s what nutrition experts say about dietary fat

    New U.S. dietary guidelines promote eating full-fat dairy and meats. But health experts say nuts and seed oils are better sources of the two crucial fats we need.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  5. Health & Medicine

    Explainer: What are ultraprocessed foods?

    Packed with chemical additives, these foods have become a major part of our diets. Scientists have begun to worry about how ultraprocessed foods may impact health.

    By RJ Mackenzie
  6. Health & Medicine

    Got brain rot?

    Excessive scrolling through social media or viral videos can mess with your mental health — and possibly alter your brain’s development, studies show.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  7. Science & Society

    Stressed by tech? Here’s how to find help

    This checklist can help you assess and improve your experiences — and your mental health.

    By Wendy Orlando and Janet Raloff
  8. Science & Society

    Large numbers of underage kids are on social media, study finds

    Two in every three kids aged 8 to 12 have already been on social media, and one-tenth have been bullied there. Some kids report other bad experiences too.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  9. Health & Medicine

    A new cell model could help kids and teens with arthritis

    This model was built by a teenager with juvenile idiopathic arthritis — a poorly understood chronic illness.

    By Maria Temming
  10. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: Symptom

    A runny nose, fever or feeling of fatigue might clue your doctor in to the right diagnosis.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  11. Tech

    New light-activated coating can kill stubborn germs

    Based on graphene, this new material can knock out hard-to-kill germs on contact — even in your mouth.

    By Stephen Ornes
  12. Humans

    Using physics can help athletes avoid sports injuries 

    Jessica Talmage uses physics to help understand how the body moves. Her findings help athletes avoid sports injuries and improve their performance.

    By Carly Kay