Humans

  1. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: Infection

    Infections range from mild illnesses, such as the common cold, to deadly diseases, such as rabies.

    By
  2. Humans

    Long-lost ‘smellscapes’ are wafting from artifacts and old texts

    By studying and reviving old scents, archaeologists are finding new clues about how ancient Egyptians experienced their world through smell.

    By
  3. Humans

    Eight billion people now live on Earth — a new record

    The global population hit this milestone on November 15, according to an estimate from the United Nations.

    By
  4. Earth

    Analyze This: Wildfires are pumping more pollution into U.S. skies

    Researchers wanted to study the health effects of wildfire smoke. But they realized they didn’t know where it was and how much exposure people had.

    By
  5. Chemistry

    Explainer: What is a hydrogel?

    These unusual materials have a host of unusual properties. You can even make a starch-infused version in your kitchen.

    By
  6. Environment

    ‘Forever’ chemicals show up in students’ school uniforms

    Researchers found PFAS “forever chemicals” in kids’ school uniforms and other clothing. Studies have linked these compounds to health risks.

    By
  7. Health & Medicine

    Should we use a genetic weapon against mosquitoes carrying malaria?

    One gene drive to eliminate malaria seems to work in the lab. Now it’s time to ask local people if they want it released in the wild.

    By
  8. Space

    Scientists Say: Astronaut

    Astronauts have been going to space for over 60 years.

    By
  9. Tech

    A shape-shifting robotic tooth-cleaner might one day brush for you

    A swarm of billions of magnetic, bacteria-killing nanoparticles can be shaped into bristles to fit any surface, including between teeth.

    By
  10. Psychology

    Why fandom feels good — and may be good for you

    Psychologists and media scholars are looking into the who, why and how of becoming a fan.

    By
  11. Animals

    Some spikes in malaria cases may be tied to amphibian die-offs

    Amphibian deaths from a fungal disease may have led to more mosquitoes — and an increase in malaria cases in Costa Rica and Panama.

    By
  12. Health & Medicine

    How wriggling, blood-eating parasitic worms alter the body

    Parasitic worms eat blood and make people sick, but they may also help prevent or treat some diseases.

    By