Science

A U.S. Air Force member releases a weather balloon from the deck of the U.S.S. Portland off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, in December 2022.

Balloon shoot-down has U.S. on alert. Weather forecasters know how to steer clear

3:54pm February 15, 2023

by Mallika Seshadri

The U.S. military started tracking more airborne objects it calls "low speed clutter" after shooting down the Chinese balloon. The National Weather Service says it launches about 184 balloons a day.

Science

Appalachian State receives enzyme research grant from NIH

1:14pm February 15, 2023

by Paul Garber and Liam Kimbro

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a nearly $1.6 million grant to Appalachian State University for research surrounding enzyme treatments for diseases including

A table showing documented cases of possible spillovers of dog coronavirus, pig coronavirus and MERS by year, animal and country.

How do pandemics begin? There's a new theory — and a new strategy to thwart them

5:00am February 15, 2023

by Michaeleen Doucleff

Animals carry millions of pathogens. So it's a daunting task to find the one with the greatest potential to spark a pandemic. Now scientists are rethinking the way they hunt for that next new virus.

If the brain is a musical instrument, "the electrophysiology is the music," says Dr. Alexander Khalessi. New tools to treat epilepsy patients now let doctors "listen to the music a little bit better."

Lasers, robots, and tiny electrodes are transforming treatment of severe epilepsy

2:57pm February 14, 2023

by Jon Hamilton

For people with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery used to be seen as a last resort. Now it's often the treatment of choice.

Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick believes offering medical explanations in clear, everyday language from trusted messengers can help shrink health disparities. Her video company, Grapevine Health, is built on that idea — and some health insurers are buying in.

'Dr. Lisa on the Street' busts health myths and empowers patients

5:22pm February 13, 2023

She's seen what happens when people don't trust or understand their doctor. Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick founded 'Grapevine Health' to get solid information out, especially to Black and Latinx patients.

Homes and a school have been destroyed by rising seas on Guet Ndar.

If there's a war against climate change, Saint-Louis is on the front line. And losing

5:00am February 13, 2023

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Saint-Louis is perched precariously between the Atlantic Ocean and the Senegal River. And it's on borrowed time.

Science

Is the deadly fungi pandemic in 'The Last Of Us' actually possible?

8:02am February 12, 2023

by Michaeleen Doucleff

In HBO's hit show "The Last Of Us," the world has been devastated by a pandemic caused by a deadly fungus. Is that even possible?

Cocoa contains compounds called flavanols, which have been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Is chocolate good for your heart? Finally the FDA has an answer – kind of

5:00am February 12, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

For years, chocolate-lovers have pointed to studies suggesting compounds in cocoa may be good for heart health. But some of the recent evidence comes from flavanol-rich cocoa, not from candy bars

Diagnosing and treating patients was once an ER doctor's domain, but they are increasingly being replaced by health practitioners who can perform many of the same duties and generate much the same revenue for less than half the pay.

ERs staffed by private equity firms aim to cut costs by hiring fewer doctors

7:00am February 11, 2023

Increasingly, private equity firms shape staffing decisions at hospital emergency rooms, research shows. One apparent effect: Hiring fewer doctors and more health care practitioners who earn far less.

The premise of The Last of Us is that the cordyceps fungus turns people into creatures that do the fungus's bidding.

'The Last Of Us' made us wonder: Could a deadly fungus really cause a pandemic?

9:24pm February 10, 2023

by Michaeleen Doucleff

In the hit HBO show, the world has been devastated by a pandemic caused by a deadly fungus. Is that even possible? Could the next pandemic come from fungi? Turns out it's a very real question.