What Makes A Human Brain Unique? A Newly Discovered Neuron May Be A Clue
The human brain isn't just bigger than a mouse brain. It contains at least one kind of brain cell that isn't found in rodents.
Research News
So Far, More Heat Waves Do Not Mean More Heat Deaths
The spread of air conditioning may have kept some people from dying in this summer's extreme heat. But studies project more heat-related illnesses as the climate warms.
Survival Of The Sluggish: Scientists Find An Upside To A Low Metabolism
A study of 5 million years of mollusks suggests that laziness could be a good survival strategy: species that have gone extinct had higher metabolic rates than the ones that exist today.
Scientists Are Puzzled By Mysterious Lights In The Sky. They Call Them STEVE
Scientists don't know what's causing the aurora-like phenomenon, which has been known to amateur photographers for decades but only recently came to the attention of researchers.
Ancient Bone Reveals Surprising Sex Lives Of Neanderthals
Genomic sequencing reveals new evidence of interbreeding among different groups of our ancient relatives. A scientist calls the find "almost too lucky to be true."
For Cervical Cancer Screening, Women Over 30 Can Now Choose The HPV Test Only
HPV testing is now seen as equally effective as Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. An influential federal advisory group has changed guidelines for how women over 30 should get tested.
The Smoke In Redding, Calif., Is So Thick You Can't See The Sun Most Days
Prolonged smoke across the West Coast will affect hundreds of thousands of people living in and around fire-prone areas. Scientists are warning of a lengthening — and worsening — smoke season.
Researchers Examine What Social Isolation Can Do To Men's Health
Our circle of friends may shrink as we age, and researchers say this is especially grave news for men's physical and mental health. (This piece originally aired on May 20, 2018 on Morning Edition).
Why Are Black And Latino Kids More Likely To Die Of Certain Cancers?
There's a big survival gap between white and minority children when it comes to some childhood cancers. It turns out growing up in poverty explains a lot of the difference.
Vacation Days Piling Up? Here's How To Get The Most Out Of A Short Vacation
Americans forfeited about 200 million days of paid vacation leave last year. And many U.S. workers now take shorter, partial-week vacations. But even a mini-break can be good for your health.