Neurology
New DNA-Like Drugs Show Promise in Treating Alzheimer’s
The small molecules cleared and prevented tau buildup in mice and monkeys
Stories by Bret Stetka
Behavior
Like Humans, Chimps Reward Cooperation and Punish Freeloaders
Recent research challenges the notion that our closest animal relatives don’t like working as a team
Fitness
Have We Reached the Athletic Limits of the Human Body?
Record-breaking has slowed, but science could find new ways to make us keep getting stronger and faster
Neuroscience
Mind-Controlled Robo-Skeleton Enables Paraplegics to Regain Some Motion
Researchers were surprised when brain–machine interfaces resulted in paralyzed patients’ recovery of long-lost sensation and muscle control
Fitness
How Artificial Sweeteners May Cause Us to Eat More
Like a freshly cracked diet soda, suspicions have been fizzing away for years that artificial sweeteners may not be the best way to slim down
Behavior
Monkeys Turn into Grumpy Old Men, Too
Old monkeys, like old humans, would rather not make new friends
Cognition
How to Coach Like an Olympian
Winners embrace a psychologically nuanced approach to motivating athletes
Medicine
Do Vitamins and Supplements Make Antidepressants More Effective?
Fish oil, vitamin D and other nutrients appear to raise the potency of medication
Neuroscience
By Land or by Sea: How Did Early Humans Access Key Brain-Building Nutrients?
Experts debate the origins of fatty acids in our ancestors’ diets
Neurology
The Best Diet for Your Brain
The field of nutritional psychiatry is taking off as scientists home in on the ingredients for good mental health and cognitive staying power
The Sciences
Prehistoric Carnage Site Is Evidence of Earliest Warfare
Discovery of 27 skeletons in Kenya point to the primal origins of conflict
Health
How Fermentation Gives Us Beer, Wine, Cheese—and Cancer?
Even in the presence of oxygen, cancer cells and some bacteria prefer fermentation, a new study finds
Mind & Brain
Using Pigeons to Diagnose Cancer
Research reveals surprising visual sophistication
Mind & Brain
Why Screams Are So Upsetting
Rapid fluctuations in volume—mimicked by sirens—trigger the brain’s fear centers
Mind & Brain
How the Brain Purges Bad Memories
A brain circuit has been found that allows us to forget fear and anxiety
Mind & Brain
Important Link between the Brain and Immune System Found
The new line of communication prompts rethinking of neurologic disease
Mind & Brain
Money Can Buy Happiness If You Spend It Wisely
Choose experiences over goods, delay gratification and remember that wealthy people are not any happier than the average Joe
Mind & Brain
Schizophrenia May Be the Price We Pay for a Big Brain
The disease is linked to genetic changes on the evolutionary road from ape to human
Neurology
Think of Multiple Sclerosis as a Leaking Swimming Pool
A new way of looking at the neurodegenerative disorder could lead to more and better treatments
Evolution
Did Affluence Spur the Rise of Modern Religions?
Reliable food and energy may have freed up time to think about the purpose of life
