Latest articles by Michael Schubert
Recycled black plastic can contain flame retardants, viral study found. That's still true — but their math was off
Researchers detected flame retardants in household items made from recycled black plastic. The study later received a correction — but regardless of this paper, the chemicals' health effects remain unclear.
Radiation-resistant 'extremophile' microbe dubbed 'Conan the Bacterium' inspires new antioxidant
A three-part complex based on the molecules that give "Conan the Bacterium" its radiation resistance may protect humans against damage from ionizing radiation.
Twin study reveals signs of MS that might be detectable before symptoms
Changes in the gene activity of immune cells may help flag people who have multiple sclerosis or are likely to develop it, a study of twins hints.
More people are surviving avalanches than decades ago — here's why
A study of avalanche survival data shows that survival rates have increased and rescues are faster, but time is still critical for buried victims.
Saline nose drops may shorten colds and cut transmission, trial hints
Giving children saline nose drops at the start of a cold may shorten its duration and reduce the likelihood that they will pass the illness to others, a study hints. But it has some caveats.
Why are some people's mosquito bites itchier than others'? New study hints at answer
A previously unrecognized type of immune cell may be responsible for the itchy feeling brought on by bug bites and other allergic reactions.
For C. diff, antibiotic resistance comes at a cost
Researchers have identified two distinct mechanisms of drug resistance in C. difficile, but its ability to withstand antibiotics comes with downsides for the bacteria.
Virus that causes COVID-19 uses a secret 'back door' to infect the brain
A mutation on the spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19 could help it infect the brain by forcing it to use a cellular "back door."
Single-shot HIV treatment suppresses virus 10,000-fold for months, animal study finds
Engineered virus-like particles can outcompete HIV in the body, potentially offering long-term viral suppression after a single dose, a monkey study suggests.
Scientists finally explain MIS-C, the rare post-COVID sydrome seen in kids
MIS-C, a rare post-COVID inflammatory syndrome in children, may be triggered when the immune system mistakes its own proteins for those of the virus.
Heart attacks fell dramatically during the pandemic — and they're still dropping
Better prevention is driving down heart-attack rates in the U.S., but the sharp drops seen at the height of the pandemic were likely caused by people avoiding medical care.
What causes blood clots?
Blood clots can be dangerous, especially if all or part of them break off and then travel through the bloodstream.
Anxiety and depression raise the risk of dangerous blood clots, study finds
Recent research has drawn a link between anxiety, depression and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Scientists find secret 'back door' flu viruses use to enter cells
Flu viruses that can use a second cellular entry point may move more effectively between animals and humans, scientists say.
'This is what drives the migraine headache': Scientists uncover 'missing link' in why some migraines happen
A new mouse study uncovered a previously unknown route between the brain and peripheral nerves that could explain the link between aura symptoms and migraine headaches.
New blood test could flag Parkinson's disease years before symptoms, study hints
By analyzing the proteins in the blood, a new blood test and AI tool can identify which at-risk patients are most likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
