DNA sequencing can help fight epidemics -- but there are privacy risks

Jan 14, 2019 10:58 am UTC| Science Health

The Democratic Republic of Congo is battling an Ebola outbreak. As is the case with any disease caused by pathogenic viruses like Zika or influenza Ebola spreads dangerously and unpredictably. This makes tracking the...

Why does it feel good to see someone fail?

Jan 07, 2019 13:25 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

In the Pixar animated film Inside Out, most of the plot plays out inside protagonist Rileys head, where five emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger direct her behavior. The film was released to glowing...

Top five ways to boost your health in 2019 – based on the latest research

Jan 07, 2019 13:23 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

Its the start of a new year and there is no doubt that 2019 will be as saturated with nutritional nonsense as 2018. From appetite suppressant lollypops to activated charcoal, the wellness industry was worth $4.2 trillion...

What are the effects of total isolation? An expert explains

Jan 07, 2019 13:22 pm UTC| Health

Imagine being confined to a small, dark room, with no social interaction whatsoever for 30 days. Not many people would jump at this opportunity. But, in November 2018, a professional US poker player Rich Alati bet...

Solving phantom limb pain – science is getting closer

Jan 07, 2019 12:33 pm UTC| Health

After amputation of an arm, most amputees report vivid and continuous sensations of their missing limb. Some can even move their missing hand as if it were still there. For many amputees, though, these sensations are...

Five life lessons from your immune system

Jan 07, 2019 12:21 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

This article is part of our occasional long read series Zoom Out, where authors explore key ideas in science and technology in the broader context of society and humanity. Scientists love analogies. We use them...

Keeping fit: how to do the right exercise for your age

Jan 04, 2019 16:05 pm UTC| Health

The effect of exercise on health is profound. It can protect you from a range of conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. But the type and amount of exercise you should do changes as you age....