Genetics
Insights from Pregnancy Could Help Fight Cancer
The placenta’s invasion of the uterus holds clues to cancer resistance
Stories by Carrie Arnold
Microbiology
Ancient Molecule Helps Bacteria Untangle Genetic Activity
New studies reveal the complex world of bacterial epigenetics
Public Health
Consequences of DDT Exposure Could Last Generations
Scientists found health effects in grandchildren of women exposed to the pesticide
Neurology
The Link Between Delirium and Dementia
Delirium is very common on COVID wards. Researchers are testing whether these temporary bouts of confusion could bring on permanent cognitive decline
Medicine
Few Kidney Patients Can Access Palliative Care or Hospice—Why?
Treatments that reduce suffering and incorporate patient values aren’t common in kidney disease care. That’s changing
Medicine
The Lifesaving Potential of Less Than Perfect Donor Kidneys
Demand for healthy kidneys has long outstripped supply. But better testing and treatment are expanding the donor pool
Medicine
For Black and Brown Kidney Patients, There Are Higher Hurdles to Care
Minority patients are diagnosed later, stay on dialysis longer and are added to transplant lists less quickly. Why?
Medicine
Should Your Kidney Doctor Have a Financial Stake in Dialysis?
Joint ventures between nephrologists and dialysis centers have expanded treatment. Critics ask: At what cost?
Medicine
America on Dialysis
Kidney disease affects millions of Americans, but corporate capture of dialysis, along with disparities in treatment and transplant access, mean that not everyone's journey is the same...
Medicine
Kidney Dialysis Is a Booming Business—Is It Also a Rigged One?
A new California law aims to curb what sponsors say is profiteering by dialysis centers. But are there any easy answers?
Conservation
Can We Save the Woodrat without Slaughtering Cats?
In Key Largo, Fla., conservationists and feline lovers figure out how to get along
Sleep
Jellyfish Caught Snoozing Give Clues to Origin of Sleep
The brainless marine creatures are the simplest organisms known to seek slumber
The Sciences
The Mathematicians Who Want to Save Democracy
With algorithms in hand, scientists try to make U.S. elections more representative
EARTH
Hot Dispute Emerges over First Land Bridge from North to South America
New dates push the age back millions of years, creating a mystery about ice ages and animal migrations—if scientists are right
Health
Ancient Retroviruses Emerged Half a Billion Years Ago
This viral group appeared hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought
Culture
Can an App Save an Ancient Language?
From the Chickasaw Nation to Congo, tribes try new tech to keep their ancient tongues alive
Fitness
Virus Pumps Up Male Muscles—in Mice
A virus that influences the development of the placenta in mammals could also help to explain male animals’ physique
Public Health
Vipers, Mambas and Taipans: The Escalating Health Crisis over Snakebites
Snakes kill tens of thousands of people each year, but experts can’t agree on dealing with an antivenom shortage
Medicine
Synthetic Biology Bites Back at Global Snake Antivenom Shortage
Lab-made antibodies could produce high-volume, high-quality snakebite treatments
Health
The Mutant Genes behind the Black Death
Only a few genetic changes were enough to turn an ordinary stomach bug into the bacteria responsible for the plague
