Medicine and Physiology

Even in cave paintings, human figures are depicted without beards. When and why did modern humans begin to part ways with their natural appearance and start removing facial hair?

A study on mice unexpectedly revealed that the negative reinforcements hindering withdrawal from painkillers involve a distinct brain mechanism from the positive reinforcement that initially drives drug dependence.

The prize will be awarded to two researchers from the United States who had previously received the Wolf Prize for their discovery.

A new record for cumulative time spent in space, SpaceX’s ongoing regulatory challenges, heart diseases in space, and using X-rays against asteroids. This Week in Space.

In a recent study, researchers successfully engineered the common parasite Toxoplasma gondii to secrete a specific protein into the brain cells of mice.

A successful conclusion to the pioneering private mission, promising radiation data from Artemis 1, evidence of water on the Moon, and plans for a lunar communication network. This Week in Space

Radiation measurements from the Artemis 1 mission revealed that the Orion spacecraft provided effective radiation protection, potentially enabling even a mission to Mars. A follow-up article on the Israeli contribution to the experiment is forthcoming.

Cut marks on ancient skulls suggest that tumor surgery may have been practiced in pharaonic times.

Could the epidemic decimating bat populations in North America be linked to the rise in infant mortality rates? A recent study suggests a potential link, pointing to increased insecticide use as a contributing factor.

Are there cells in the brain that respond to a specific concept or entity, such as a particular actress? Science’s answer changed from a casual chuckle to a confident “yes” and then to a more nuanced “not exactly.”

Do Women Really Feel Colder Than Men? What Does the Research Say?

Standing or sitting? Cyclist body position during sprints could be key to success

The environmental conditions in the sky are responsible for quite a few strange phenomena in planes

Olympic boxers won gold despite scrutiny over their legitimacy to compete as women. What sparked these controversies and what does science say?

Simone Biles pushes human capabilities to the limit. Can advanced machines challenge human boundaries?

Tiny plastic particles in the blood vessels of atherosclerosis patients increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death

Urbanization and industrial food linked to a concerning decline in beneficial gut bacteria

How can we ensure our skin and hair stay healthy during bathing?

A study finds that changes in astronauts’ bodies begin immediately upon reaching space, and that women may be better suited for space travel than men.

A new study highlights the significance of the third hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

An unusual brain fold appears only in a portion of the population, and is associated with mental traits as well as with the onset timing of dementia.

Amnesia is a general term for memory loss, caused by physiological or psychological factors. What do we know about it?

The metaphor “heartbreak” has a real physiological basis and emotional stress inflicts pain akin to physical pain

Many adorn their bodies with tattoos. What happens during tattooing? Are there risks, and how does the immune system respond?