Humans

Health & Medicine

In an emergency, you may want to see Dr. Dog

Emergency room visits by therapy dogs can reduce pain, anxiety and depression in patients waiting for care, a new study finds.

Environment

We all unknowingly eat plastic, which may host toxic pollutants

In the environment, plastics attract all types of toxic chemicals. If ingested, new data show, chemicals on those plastic bits may harm the gut.

Health & Medicine

Explainer: What is sickle cell disease?

Gene mutations can alter an individual’s hemoglobin in ways that curl their blood cells. This can cause painful sickle cell disease.

Health & Medicine

Sickle-cell gene therapies offer hope — and challenges

Doctor Erica Esrick discusses existing treatments and an ongoing clinical trial for a gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease.

Health & Medicine

Explainer: The body’s immune system

An army of cells — and their protein arsenal — work to keep us safe. Several squads of special forces possess unique superpowers to disable or kill intruders.

Humans

The earliest known pants are surprisingly modern — and comfy

This 3,000-year-old garment was not only stylish but also functional. By recreating it, scientists also unraveled its complex and multicultural origins.

Humans

Is the sky really blue? It depends on what language you speak

English speakers talk about color a lot but rarely about smell. Researchers are learning how those who speak other languages sense the world and why differences arise.

Archaeology

Our species may have reached Europe while Neandertals were there

Archaeological finds from an ancient French rock-shelter show periodic settlements by both populations, just not at the same time.

Psychology

Addiction can develop when reward-seeking changes a teen’s brain

Over time, the pleasure disappears and craving grows. That craving causes stress that can drive people to use drugs or pursue unhealthy behaviors again and again.

Brain

Americans tend to see imaginary faces as male, not female

When people see imaginary faces in everyday objects, those faces are more likely to be perceived as male than female.

Health & Medicine

Here’s how a new sleeping bag could protect astronauts’ eyesight

A new sleeping bag could avoid vision problems on long space flights due to microgravity. It counters a fluid buildup behind astronauts’ eyes.

Psychology

New training builds ‘mental’ muscles in athletes

The training builds focus and resiliency while limiting the self-doubt that can cripple competitors’ ability to perform at their peak.