Medical Technology

A new cutting-edge computer simulation of clot formation could improve treatments for stroke and heart attacks

Weather prediction models armed with citizens' flu symptom query data enable researchers to predict flu outbreaks. Katherine Harmon reports

The barbs on porcupine quill tips let them penetrate flesh with less force and hold on with more force than a barbless needle. Sophie Bushwick reports

Human excreta could be a powerful source of cells to study disease, bypassing some of the problems of using stem cells, such as the risk of developing tumors and difficulties in obtaining blood samples from children

Most doctors do not warn pregnant patients about chemicals, pesticides or even mercury contamination

Force sensors in headgear could signal whether a hit is strong enough to cause concern should the player receive a second serious blow. Larry Greenemeier reports

A study finds that patients who enter information online about common infections get decent diagnoses from docs, although antibiotics may be overprescribed. Katherine Harmon reports.

A medication currently used to treat drug overdoses appears to help patients regulate brain chemicals linked to hypersomnia

After 33 years in the federal government, toxicologist Linda Birnbaum has tried to put sound science at the center of debates over chemical regulation

Nearly one-third of breast cancers identified by screening healthy US women need not have been treated, study finds.

Everyday Einstein: Quick and Dirty Tips for Making Sense of Science