Humans

Health & Medicine

Explainer: Why it’s easier to get sick in the winter

Low humidity helps viruses survive, and cold weather blunts some of the body’s immune responses — making colds and other viral infections more likely.

Humans

Let’s learn about Neandertals

Neandertals are an extinct species closely related to modern humans. They made tools and jewelry, controlled fires and cared for their sick.

Environment

Protecting forests may help head off future pandemics

Hungry bats are more likely to shed harmful viruses to people or livestock when they spread out to hunt food. Conserving forests may limit this risk.

Brain

The pandemic prematurely aged teens’ brains

A small study showed certain structural changes that appeared three to four years early. Normally, premature aging of the brain is not a good sign.

Humans

When it comes to dance, it’s all about the bass

During a concert, people danced more when they were bathed in sounds that were too low for their ears to hear.

Brain

Some screen time may aid kids’ recovery from concussions

A few hours a day on digital devices may actually aid recovery by connecting kids with friends and giving their brains some stimulation.

Environment

Gas stoves can spew lots of pollution, even when they’re turned off

A new study finds they can leak benzene and other harmful chemicals into homes, sometimes at very high levels.

Microbes

Mouth-crawling superbugs cause severe cavities in kids

In kids with severe tooth decay, fungi and bacteria team up to create superorganisms that can crawl across teeth.

Archaeology

Neandertals were a lot like our human ancestors

From toolmaking to healthcare, new research finds that Neandertals shared many cultural and social similarities with our human ancestors.

Science & Society

Let’s learn about why schools should start later

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Health & Medicine

Toddler now thrives after prenatal treatment for a genetic disease

Ayla was treated before birth for the rare, life-threatening Pompe disease. Now a thriving 16-month-old toddler, her treatments will still need to continue.

Brain

Playing video games may improve your memory and attention

The biggest research study of its kind finds that video gamers perform better on some mental tasks than nongamers do.