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an illustration of men and women with their brains superimposed over the heads
Is there really a difference between male and female brains? Emerging science is revealing the answer. Brain scans, postmortem dissections, artificial intelligence and lab mice reveal differences in the brain that are linked to sex. Do we know what they mean?
an edited photo of a white lab mouse against a pink and blue gradient background
'Let's just study males and keep it simple': How excluding female animals from research held neuroscience back, and could do so again Neuroscience research has only recently begun to prioritize the inclusion of both male and female lab animals in studies. Could we see that shift reverse?
A large group of people marches at the Stand Up For Science rally
Science at a crossroads: Dispatches from Friday's 'Stand Up for Science' rallies across the US Our science journalists reported on the Stand Up for Science rallies held in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Latest about Health

A photo of a patient with their surgical team after surgery. The patient is sat on a hospital bed and the team is gathered around him.

New stem cell therapy could repair 'irreversible' and blinding eye damage, trial finds

By Emily Cooke published

A new therapy repairs corneal damage to a patient's eye using stem cells from their other, healthy eye.

Surgery

Gut bacteria imbalance linked to multiple sclerosis

By Ashutosh Mangalam published

Levels of two types of bacteria in your gut could help improve the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Health
A woman checking her fitness watch

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 Xiaomi Smart Band 9 to Garmin Forerunner 165.

Buying Guide

Scientists describe new type of fat in human bellies

By Marianne Guenot published

Scientists have pinpointed and described unusual subtypes of fat cells that may help scientists explain why gut fat is linked to poor health. The research could open up new avenues for medical treatments.

Anatomy

Why can't you tickle yourself?

By Roberta McLain published

Why do we laugh when tickled but are unable to tickle ourselves? Neuroscience has the answer.

Health
A healthcare worker places a bandage on a girls' arm after a vaccine

This year's flu shot was up to 78% effective at preventing hospitalization in kids, early data finds

By Nicoletta Lanese published

Early data suggest that the 2024-2025 flu shots have effectively lowered rates of flu hospitalization and outpatient visits in vaccinated people.

Flu
A stock illustration of astrocytes (in purple) interacting with neurons (in blue)

Scientists discover never-before-seen type of brain cell

By Emily Cooke published

A new study has pinpointed cells in the brains of mice that have the unique ability to proliferate and may help to repair damaged tissue. Scientists now need to determine if similar cells exist in human brains.

Neuroscience
Image shows a woman standing on a smart scale with exercise equipment in the background

Best smart scales 2025: Track body composition in the comfort of your home

By Maddy Biddulph last updated

BUYING GUIDE These are the best smart scales to buy in every category, from Withings Body to Renpho smart scale.

BUYING GUIDE
A computer illustration of mucor mold.

The deadly 'black fungus' infection that decimates flesh

By Emily Cooke published

Most people are exposed to the fungi that cause mucormycosis regularly, but in certain individuals, these microbes can cause a potentially deadly infection.

Viruses, Infections & Disease

Is it too late to get a flu shot?

By Emily Cooke last updated

Is it ever too late in the season to get a flu shot? Here's what experts have to say.

Viruses, Infections & Disease
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