Are Modafinil's Brain-Boosting Benefits Hype Or Science?
Modafinil has been approved for treatment of narcolepsy, but it's often used to improve mental performance. The question is, does it work? A new study says probably not.
Science
Toxic Tau Of Alzheimer's May Offer A Path To Treatment
Faulty forms of the brain protein tau trigger tangles inside and outside brain cells of Alzheimer's patients. Scientists say figuring out how to stop bad tau's spread from cell to cell might be key.
Bloodmobiles To Collect Plasma From West Africa's Ebola Survivors
Researchers gear up tests in West Africa to see whether blood from Ebola survivors can help people who are sick with the disease. This is part of a broader effort to test therapies in West Africa.
Everything But The Squeal: How The Hog Industry Cuts Food Waste
Large-scale hog operations get a bad environmental rap. But when it comes to processing the animals, the industry is a model of efficiency, making use of every last bit in sometimes surprising ways.
Invasive Surgery May Motivate Patients To Adopt Healthier Behaviors
One challenge in evaluating the effectiveness of different medical procedures, is that patients behave differently after different procedures. Is this true for patients getting heart surgery?
Comet Lander's Big Bounce Caught On Camera
An orbiting spacecraft caught the Philae lander bounding on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. The lander sent home some scientific data before its batteries ran out.
To End Food Waste, Change Needs To Begin At Home
The U.S. throws out 35 million tons of food each year. While many restaurants, supermarkets and processors are taking responsibility, many consumers aren't. An EPA pilot program aims to change that.
Researchers Suggest Ways To Make Pill Swallowing Easier
Almost one-third of people have trouble swallowing pills, according to German researchers. They say some people have so much trouble, they avoid taking the recommended dosage.
Yes, The Weather Is Polar. No, It's Not The Vortex
Meteorologists are annoyed by the hype around the phrase "polar vortex." This week's frigid snap, they say, was just a regular old cold front.
Why The 'Invasivores' Haven't Pounced On Bear Meat
Bear is traditional American grub, and hunting bear for meat can help control overpopulation. But bear meat isn't going to make its way into restaurants or onto the average dinner table anytime soon.