Latest articles by Clarissa Brincat
Origins of schizophrenia linked to epigenetics of the placenta
Epigenetic changes in the placenta may shape how the fetal brain develops and thus influence the risk of psychiatric disorders.
Man gets sperm-making stem cell transplant in first-of-its-kind procedure
A man in his early 20s received a transplant of his own sperm-producing stem cells, which had been frozen since his childhood, in an attempt to regain fertility. Doctors are waiting to see if the treatment works.
Multiple species of ticks in the US can transmit red meat allergy, CDC reports reveal
A single bite from one of several tick species can trigger a months-long meat allergy.
Why don't all birds fly?
Why don't some birds, like penguins, ostriches and kiwis, take to the skies?
Why do cats make a weird face after smelling something?
"Stink face" seems silly to us, but for cats it's a serious way to gather social information through smell.
100-year-old heart drug made from foxglove may help 'dissolve' clumps of spreading cancer cells
The heart drug digoxin could potentially be combined with existing cancer therapies to prevent the spread of tumors, an early trial suggests. But questions remain.
'Vestigial' human ear-wiggling muscle actually flexes when we're straining to hear
A mechanism that activates specific muscles in our ears is a leftover from our evolutionary past, back when our ancestors depended more on their hearing for survival.
1 in 22 COVID survivors develop debilitating chronic syndrome
A study suggests that catching COVID-19 significantly raises the risk of developing ME/CFS (formerly called "chronic fatigue syndrome"), a typically lifelong condition that can be debilitating.
How does alcohol cause cancer?
Research suggests that alcohol causes cancer through at least five different mechanisms.
What counts as 'binge drinking'? What about 'high-intensity drinking'?
Episodes of "binge drinking" can have dangerous short-term effects, while repeated binge drinking can trigger longer-term problems.
Do cats communicate with their tails?
From tail up to tail down, what do different cat tail positions and movements mean?
'Exercise juice' released by muscles helps nerves grow, study finds
A new study in mouse cells hints that substances released by muscles can help nearby nerves grow.
How does licorice interfere with medications?
Eating licorice regularly, in large quantities or with certain medications can cause serious side effects. But why is that?
Does activated charcoal interact with medication?
Activated charcoal can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. But why is that?
Why does dairy make antibiotics less effective?
Dairy products can affect the way certain medications work. But why?
Why do leafy green vegetables interact with blood thinners?
Leafy green vegetables can affect the way certain anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications work. But why?
How does grapefruit interact with drugs?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the amount of medication that reaches the bloodstream. But why?
What's the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?
There are two main types of bacteria, and these categories reflect the microbes' biology and their vulnerability to different antibiotics.
What causes you to get a 'stitch in your side'?
Many people are familiar with the sharp pain that can strike beneath your rib cage during exercise. But what causes it?
Why do dogs sniff each other's butts?
And like dogs, why do cats also sniff fellow felines' behinds?
