BiologyMay 11, 2016
The Spectrum of Sex Development: Eric Vilain and the Intersex Controversy
The geneticist built a career studying aspects of sex that make some people uncomfortable. Now things are getting uncomfortable for him
Stories by Sara Reardon
Sara Reardon is a freelance biomedical journalist based in Bozeman, Mont. She is a former staff reporter at Nature, New Scientist and Science and has a master’s degree in molecular biology.
Mental HealthApril 7, 2016
Mysterious Antidepressant Target Reveals Its Shape
But questions about the role of brain chemistry in depression may prevent findings from spurring drug development
NeuroscienceMarch 17, 2016
Memories Retrieved in Mutant "Alzheimer's" Mice
A new study suggests that patients with Alzheimer's disease can still form memories, raising hopes of new treatments
BiologyMarch 10, 2016
Welcome to CRISPR's Gene-Modified Zoo
Birds and bees are just the beginning for this animal-altering technology
The SciencesFebruary 10, 2016
Obama Makes Risky Bid to Increase Science Spending
Research advocates worry that the president's budget proposal could backfire in the face of political opposition
HealthFebruary 3, 2016
U.S. Panel Green-Lights Creation of Male 3-Person Embryos
But federal law may prevent regulators from approving the technique
Mind & BrainDecember 14, 2015
Brain Manipulation Studies May Produce Spurious Links to Behavior
Controlling neurons with light or drugs may affect the brain in more ways than expected, study shows
Mind & BrainDecember 4, 2015
Brain Study Seeks Roots of Suicide
A clinical trial will look at the neurological structure and function of people who have attempted suicide
HealthNovember 30, 2015
This Week, World Summit On Altering Human Genes Explores Ethical Limits
Academies in the US, China and the UK jointly organized the gathering
HealthNovember 30, 2015
Genome Editing: 7 Facts About a Revolutionary Technology
What everyone should know about cut-and-paste genetics
EnvironmentNovember 19, 2015
NIH to Retire All Research Chimpanzees
Fifty animals held in “reserve” by the U.S. will be sent to sanctuaries
Mind & BrainNovember 4, 2015
Memory-Boosting Devices Tested in Humans
U.S. military research suggests that electrodes can compensate for damaged tissue
HealthOctober 7, 2015
Gene-Editing Record Smashed in Pigs
Researchers modify more than 60 genes to enable organ transplants into humans
Mind & BrainSeptember 28, 2015
How Your Brain Is Wired Reveals the Real You
The Human Connectome Project finds surprising correlations between brain architecture and behavior
HealthSeptember 17, 2015
Antibiotic Use and Resistance Rise Dramatically
New report provides the most comprehensive picture yet of antibiotic use and resistance worldwide, and it isn't pretty
Mind & BrainSeptember 2, 2015
Antipsychotic Drugs Often Given to Intellectually Disabled in Absence of Mental Illness
A study confirms the widespread use of drugs to control disruptive and aggressive behavior
Mind & BrainAugust 24, 2015
Hurricane Katrina's Psychological Scars Revealed
Mental health worsened in the disaster’s aftermath, but survivors also showed resilience
HealthJuly 22, 2015
Antibody Drugs for Alzheimer's Show Glimmers of Promise
After a string of failed trials, drugs that target protein build-up in the brain appear to slow disease progress
The SciencesJune 29, 2015
U.S. Congress Moves to Block Human Embryo Editing
The House of Representatives’ fiscal year 2016 spending bill also would require religious experts to review recommendations for the new reproductive technique
Mind & BrainJune 15, 2015
Immunization Could Halt Post-Traumatic Stress
Experimental vaccine manipulates the immune system to alleviate the development of anxiety and fear in rodents
EvolutionJune 15, 2015
Captive U.S. Chimps Now Have Endangered Species Protection
New designation provides legal rights and prohibits most research on captive animals
TechnologyJune 12, 2015
Pentagon Gambles on Brain Implants, Bionic Limbs and Combat Exoskeletons
DARPA makes a big push into biological research, but some scientists question whether its high-risk approach can work
HealthMay 27, 2015
Antibiotic Alternatives Rev Up Bacterial Arms Race
From predatory microbes to toxic metals, nature is inspiring new ways to treat infections
HealthMay 22, 2015
"Young Blood"; Anti-Aging Mechanism Called into Question
A protein in the blood of young mice that seemed to rejuvenate older animals may do the opposite