Humans

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.

Brain

Adolescence appears to last far longer than once thought

The brain undergoes “rewiring” throughout adolescence and doesn’t reach its adult architecture until our early 30s, suggests a new study.

Health & Medicine

Scientists Say: Symptom

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

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.

Archaeology

Neandertals used fire-making tools 400,000 years ago

Flint, iron pyrite and fire residues found at an ancient site in England offer the earliest clear evidence of people lighting fires.

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.

Health & Medicine

New study links early smartphone ownership to health risks

The earlier kids get smartphones, the more likely they’ll get too little sleep, gain weight — and possibly develop depression, a new study suggests.

Health & Medicine

You need to eat protein — but the right mix really matters

All proteins are not equal, research is showing. So while most Americans get plenty of protein, they might not be eating the most nutritious blend.

Chemistry

Explainer: What is chirality?

Chiral molecules are mirror images of each other. They might not seem all that different — but can have drastically different effects in medicine, materials and more.

Health & Medicine

Butt breathing might help people struggling to get enough oxygen

This strange investigation into whether humans can use the gut for breathing has surprisingly heartwarming origins: helping the scientist’s dad.

Psychology

Everyone experiences malicious joy now and then

Called schadenfreude, feeling happy when we see someone else’s pain is typically harmless. But unchecked, it can have big consequences.

Microbes

Let’s learn about viruses

Viruses cause a huge range of illnesses, but vaccines can help protect you against these infections.