Science

This image shows the buildup of toxic tau proteins in the medial temporal gyrus of a human brain. Though some drugs can now remove these proteins, that hasn't seemed to ease Alzheimer's symptoms. It's time to look more deeply into how the cells work, scie

Alzheimer's Researchers Go Back To Basics To Find The Best Way Forward

11:28am June 25, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

After a decade of failure in treating Alzheimer's with drugs, the National Institutes of Health is funding a five-year effort in Seattle to learn more about how the disease starts in the brain.

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Before you visit older relatives this summer, plan ahead.

Taking A Trip To Visit Grandparents Or Older Relatives? Tips To Reduce The Risk

4:43pm June 24, 2020

If you miss your mom and dad — or they miss their grandkids — how safe is a summer trip? Older people are more likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus, so consider these tips to reduce risk.

A laboratory technician holds a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate ready for a trial in May 2020.

All You Wanted To Know About Coronavirus Vaccine Science But Were Afraid To Ask

10:22am June 24, 2020

by Joe Palca

Some of the technology behind coronavirus vaccine development dates back to the first vaccines; other techniques are much newer. Here are eight top strategies scientists are pursuing.

Victoria Gray, who underwent a landmark treatment for sickle cell disease last year, has been at home in Forest, Miss., with her three kids, Jadasia Wash (left), Jamarius Wash (second from left) and Jaden Wash.

A Year In, 1st Patient To Get Gene Editing For Sickle Cell Disease Is Thriving

2:03pm June 23, 2020

by Rob Stein

Since receiving a landmark treatment with the gene-editing tool CRISPR, a sickle cell patient has the strength to care for herself and her children — while navigating the pandemic.

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Thousands of people stand among the ancient stones at Stonehenge in Salisbury, England, at sunrise on the summer solstice. Archaeologists on Monday announced the discovery of a ring of shafts about 2 miles away.

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Immense Neolithic Ring Discovered Near Stonehenge

8:45am June 23, 2020

by Vanessa Romo

The massive prehistoric structure "is significantly larger than any comparative prehistoric monument that we know of in Britain, at least," a lead researcher in the project says.

A retail worker wears a face mask and face shield as a precautionary measure during the coronavirus pandemic.

Why Reopening Isn't Enough To Save The Economy

6:30am June 23, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

A blockbuster new study digs into the economics of the pandemic.

Tyson tested every worker at about 20 of its plants, including this one in Logansport, Ind., after workers got sick. The company is now considering ongoing random testing to try to keep outbreaks from flaring.

How Widespread Coronavirus Testing Helped Meatpacking Plants Halt Outbreaks

4:05pm June 22, 2020

by Daniel Charles

Thousands of meatpacking workers have been infected with the coronavirus. Some of their employers now are rolling out large-scale testing, and their experience may offer lessons for other businesses.

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Rattan Lal in an Ohio cornfield. The soil scientist is this year's World Food Laureate, earning a quarter of a million dollar prize for his pioneering work in soil improvement.

Soil Prof Hits Pay Dirt: $250K Prize For Helping Farmers, Fighting Climate Change

1:53pm June 22, 2020

by Jessica Craig

Meet 2020 World Food Prize Laureate: Rattan Lal. His "soil-centric" philosophy is praised as being good for crops — and for mitigating climate change.

The closer humans are to animals, the greater the opportunity for zoonotic spillover, where a pathogen jumps from animal to human.

'Like Poking a Beehive': The Worrisome Link Between Deforestation And Disease

11:36am June 22, 2020

by Nathan Rott

Scientists say accelerating deforestation and development may increase the risk of pandemic diseases. The current economic crisis may also make that trend worse if more people cut down trees for fuel.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., holds a bottle of hydroxychloroquine while raising concerns about its use.

NIH Halts Hydroxychloroquine Study; Says 'Unlikely' To Help COVID-19 Patients

4:52pm June 20, 2020

by Christianna Silva

The NIH said that while the anti-malarial drug did not cause harm to patients in the study, testing showed little evidence that it would benefit patients hospitalized with COVID-19.