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Artist's impression of an HMPV virus.
Viral disease HMPV is on the rise among kids in China — what is it? Health officials have reported a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections among children ages 14 and under in China, but the exact magnitude of this uptick is unclear.
Illustration of an early modern man embracing a Neanderthal woman. They appear to be in a forest at night. The moonlight is shining through the trees just behind them
'More Neanderthal than human': How your health may depend on DNA from our long-lost ancestors Neanderthals and humans mated millennia ago, and their legacy lives on in us today. Here's how.
A pencil drawing showing brain eating amoebas entering a boy's nose, and an artistic representation of the boy's brain breaking down
The biggest health news of 2024, from bird flu to CRISPR Health channel editor Nicoletta Lanese looks back on some of our standout health stories from 2024.

Latest about Health

an electron micrograph of herpes virus

'Reanimated' herpes viruses lurking in the brain may link concussions and dementia

By Nicoletta Lanese published

A study using lab-made models of the brain suggests that a herpes virus may be a key link between concussions and dementia risk.

Alzheimers & Dementia
A picture of the inside of a sauna with a central stove, bucket and ladle.

Woman hospitalized with heat stroke after using sauna for 45 minutes

By Emily Cooke published

In a rare medical case, a woman in her 70s was hospitalized with heat stroke after stretching in a sauna for 45 minutes.

Health
A man on a hiking trail in the mountains is checking his smartwatch

Best Garmin watches 2025: Our top picks for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts

By Andrew Williams, Anna Gora last updated

These are the best Garmin watches you can buy in every category, from Fenix 8 and Forerunner 965 to Venu 2 Plus.

Exercise
A close-up image of a person pouring white pills from a brown bottle onto their palm.

Early study reveals why sleeping pills may not supply the best-quality snooze

By Emily Cooke published

A new study in mice suggests that sleeping pills may impede the brain's ability to "cleanse" itself during sleep.

Sleep
a woman exercising in her home gym

The best exercise machine to lose weight, from the NordicTrack X22i treadmill to the Peloton bike.

By Ruth Gaukrodger last updated

BUYING GUIDE The best exercise machine to lose weight, from the NordicTrack X22i treadmill to the Peloton bike.

BUYING GUIDE
A woman checking her fitness tracker during workout in a park

Best budget fitness trackers 2025: Cheap but mighty

By Maddy Biddulph, Anna Gora last updated

Buying Guide These are the best budget fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 to Amazfit Bip 3 Pro.

Buying Guide

Never-before-seen parasite is resistant to ivermectin

By Pandora Dewan published

Trichuris incognita is a newfound intestinal roundworm closely related to the whipworm parasite. However, it is significantly more resistant to treatment.

Viruses, Infections & Disease
a woman holding brazil nuts

Diagnostic dilemma: A woman's nut allergy was triggered after sex

By Mindy Weisberger published

A woman with a known nut allergy had a severe allergic reaction after sex, even though her partner bathed and brushed his teeth first. Here's why.

Health
An image of pipes at a water fluoridation plant

Why do we add fluoride to drinking water, and is it safe?

By Marilyn Perkins last updated

Fluoride is added to tap water in many countries around the world. But why?

Health
A man walking in the park checking his fitness tracker

Best fitness trackers 2025: Measure steps, sleep, calories and more

By Andrew Williams, Anna Gora last updated

Buying Guide These are the best fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Amazfit Balance and Garmin Fenix 8 to Oura Ring.

Buying Guide
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