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Close-up picture of a Tibetan woman looking into the distance. She is carrying a baby in a shawl on her back. The background of the image is blurry.
Natural selection is unfolding right now in these remote villages in Nepal Physiological traits that help Tibetan women survive at high altitudes are being selected for within the population, meaning they may be becoming more common, new research hints.
A close-up of chickens in an industrial farm
Bird flu could become deadlier if it mixes with seasonal flu viruses, experts warn As of now, 17 states have reported H5N1 bird flu cases in humans, but there is still no evidence for transmission between people. Could that change?
photo of a woman's hands holding a large table-top alarm clock and adjusting the time
The case against daylight saving, from a neurologist and sleep expert While that "extra" hour of sunlight in the evenings can be exhilarating, it comes with significant health trade-offs.

Latest about Health

A doctor places a bandaids on a patient's arm after giving them a shot

Older adults should get 2 doses of the updated COVID shot, CDC says

By Nicoletta Lanese published

The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are available, and the CDC recommends that certain groups get two doses, spaced six months apart.

Coronavirus
An image of the international space station in orbit above Earth

Astronauts to grow livers in space, where microgravity might help them thrive

By Stephanie Pappas published

Researchers think that microgravity could help grow liver "organoids" that could be used in medical research and even in transplant surgeries, someday.

Anatomy
A pile of charcoal

Does activated charcoal interact with medication?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Activated charcoal can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. But why is that?

Medicine & Drugs
A woman lays on the couch with a blanket over her head

Why do hangovers get worse with age?

By Marilyn Perkins published

Scientists haven't actually confirmed a link between age and hangover severity, but there are some reasons why older people might feel worse after a night of drinking than young folks would.

Alcohol
Close-up of the new device on the skin. A person's thumb and fingers are touching either side of the device.

New device 'zaps' bacteria on the skin, potentially preventing infections

By Emily Cooke published

Early experiments suggest a patch that delivers harmless electric currents into the skin can thwart certain bacterial infections. However, it has not yet been tested in humans.

Viruses, Infections & Disease
Two little girls are shown sat on a playroom floor with some toys in front of them. The girl on the left of the image has her arm around the other girl and is looking down at the floor. The girl on the right is looking at the camera.

Parents who have this gene may be more likely to have a girl

By Emily Cooke published

A large new analysis suggests that some people carry genetic variants that make them more likely to have female than male offspring.

Genetics
bright blue cells shown assembling into an early embryo, a sphere with a distinct ridge wrapped around it like a belt

Scientists launch amazing 'atlas' of embryos, showing how cells move and develop through time

By Nicoletta Lanese published

"Zebrahub" is an atlas of cells in developing zebrafish embryos, and scientists say it will help us learn about our own biology, too.

Anatomy
A close-up of a McDonald's quarter pounder burger

Nearly 50 illnesses, 1 death caused by E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders

By Nicoletta Lanese published

U.S. health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of bacterial infections that has been linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders.

Viruses, Infections & Disease
A woman stands in front of a mirror and palpates her breasts during a cancer self-check

Doctors no longer recommend 'self-checks' for breast cancer — here's what to know

By Julie Goldenberg published

Breast self-exams used to be recommended as a part of routine breast cancer screening. Here's why the guidelines changed and what experts recommend instead.

Breast Cancer
Mid-section of a woman sat down. She has a white medical cast on her left arm which she is supporting with her right hand.

Melatonin disruption tied to early-onset osteoporosis, new study suggests

By Emily Cooke published

A genetic analysis suggests that rare cases of early onset osteoporosis may be partly caused by disruptions to the function of the hormone melatonin.

Genetics
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