Pharmaceuticals
How the New Antiviral Pills Help Thwart COVID
A drug made by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics—which an FDA panel recently greenlit—and one made by Pfizer work in different ways, but both prevent the virus from replicating...
Stories by Stephani Sutherland
Physiology
In Autoimmune Disease, Organs May Lure the Immune System into an Attack
New evidence indicates that target cells may play a role in their own destruction
Medicine
If You Don’t Have COVID Vaccine Side Effects, Are You Still Protected?
Reactions reflect unique features of an individual’s immune system, not the strength of a response
Public Health
COVID Variants May Arise in People with Compromised Immune Systems
The case history of a U.K. man in his 70s shows how selective “pressures” bring about viral mutations
Neurology
COVID Can Cause Forgetfulness, Psychosis, Mania or a Stutter
The virus induces neurological symptoms that persist long after the pandemic ends
Public Health
Mysteries of COVID Smell Loss Finally Yield Some Answers
Explanations begin to arise at the molecular level for this vexing but commonplace symptom
Public Health
What We Know So Far about How COVID Affects the Nervous System
Neurological symptoms might arise from multiple causes. But does the virus even get into neurons?
Medicine
Penicillium Fungus Hosts Surprising Opioid Compounds
Next-generation opioids may spring from a tiny fungus protein
Biotech
When a Feather-Light Touch Is Agony
Researchers identify a possible new target for treating atypical pain sensations
Medicine
Too Good to Be True? A Nonaddictive Opioid without Lethal Side Effects Shows Promise
A still-experimental drug demonstrates the qualities of an ideal painkiller in a test in monkeys
Neuroscience
Even Unpalatable Foods Taste Good to the Brain
The brain’s natural opioids may also play a role in eating and energy balance
Neuroscience
Homing In on the Brain's "Cuddling" Circuitry
Stimulating bonding among voles could offer insights into human coupling
Neurology
Marijuana May Boost, Rather Than Dull, the Elderly Brain
Senior mice treated with THC improved on learning and memory tests
Public Health
Treating Pain without Pills
The opioid crisis is forcing doctors to change how they treat chronic pain, putting a new emphasis on nondrug remedies and psychological interventions
Medicine
Why the Pain Drug That Killed Prince Can Be Especially Dangerous
Fentanyl’s fast action is great for pain relief but adds to its risks
Neuroscience
Why We Itch
How it arises is only now becoming clear
Neuroscience
Revolutionary Neuroscience Technique Slated for Human Clinical Trials
Optogenetics may treat chronic pain and other neurological disorders
Neuroscience
When We Read, We Recognize Words as Pictures and Hear Them Spoken Aloud
Words are not encoded in the brain by their meaning but rather by simpler attributes such as sound and shape
Mind & Brain
Quit Smoking in Your Sleep
People smoke less after smelling cigarettes paired with rotten odors overnight
The Sciences
Asian Glow May Indicate Lower Pain Tolerance
One of the body's alcohol-busting enzymes may play a role in pain relief
