Health & Medicine

  1. Health & Medicine

    Zika birth defects: Concerns spread from head to toe

    Zika infections may trigger problems well beyond babies born with small heads and brains. Scientists have begun linking a range of head-to-toe health ails to the virus.

    By Meghan Rosen
  2. Microbes

    New date for U.S. arrival of the AIDS virus

    A new study shows that HIV started circulating at least a decade earlier than previously realized.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  3. Environment

    Vaping may put your smile at risk

    As e-cigarette use among teens rises, scientists find that vaping may cause cellular damage to the mouth, gums and teeth. Even the cells’ DNA was affected.

    By Lindsey Konkel Neabore
  4. Oceans

    Beaches can be a germy playground

    Infectious microbes can flourish on sandy beaches. Scientists are now exploring how to find and monitor these hotspots for pollution that can make vacationers sick.

    By John H. Tibbetts
  5. Brain

    Pain is contagious — at least in mice

    Pain can move from one mouse to another. The trigger may be smell.

    By Laura Sanders
  6. Health & Medicine

    4 reasons why many people don’t vote

    The United States has a terrible voter turnout. Scientists have turned up some data to explain why that is.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  7. Health & Medicine

    4 research-backed ways to get people to vote

    Millions of Americans who are eligible to vote won’t bother to go to the polls. Scientists, though, are finding ways to get more of these people into the voting booth.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  8. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: Saturated fat

    Saturated fats are found in meat and dairy products. Their long, straight chemical chains make them solid in your fridge and on your plate.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  9. Environment

    Rocket nozzle research propels teen to big win

    A 13-year old won the top prize at this year’s Broadcom MASTERS science competition. She had determined the best shape for a rocket nozzle. 

    By Sid Perkins
  10. Brain

    Out-of-whack body clock causes more than sleepiness

    When the body’s “clock” doesn’t match the cues its getting from outside, people can feel bad. Researchers are using math to explain this “circadian-time sickness.”

    By Laura Sanders
  11. Brain

    Teen brains may have an advantage — better learning

    The teen brain is infamous for prizing rewards and encouraging risky behavior. But their reward-driven behavior may help those teens learn some things better than adults.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  12. Health & Medicine

    Zombies are real!

    Some parasites worm their way into other creatures’ brains and alter their victims’ behavior. Meet zombie ants, spiders, cockroaches, fish and more.

    By Kathryn Hulick