From “trenfluencers” to complex drug regimens, influencers are reshaping how millions approach steroid use. Now, researchers are trying to catch up with what this means for our health ​From “trenfluencers” to complex drug regimens, influencers are reshaping how millions approach steroid use. Now, researchers are trying to catch up with what this means for our …

Steroids are everywhere on social media – but how dangerous are they? Read More »

Bumble bees aren’t random foragers – they’re master nutritionists. Over an eight-year field study in the Colorado Rockies, scientists uncovered that different bee species strategically balance their intake of protein, fats, and carbs by choosing pollen from specific flowers. Larger, long-tongued bees seek protein-rich pollen, while smaller, short-tongued species prefer carb- and fat-heavy sources. These …

Bumble bees balance their diets with surprising precision Read More »

Ancient forests may have fueled a deep-sea oxygen boost nearly 390 million years ago, unlocking evolutionary opportunities for jawed fish and larger marine animals. New isotopic evidence shows that this permanent oxygenation marked a turning point in Earth’s history — a reminder of how fragile the ocean’s oxygen balance remains today. ​Ancient forests may have …

The ancient oxygen flood that forever changed life in the oceans Read More »

Deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, a bright yellow worm thrives where no other animals dare, in toxic hydrothermal vents saturated with arsenic and sulfide. By cleverly turning these poisons into a golden mineral once prized by Renaissance painters, the worm neutralizes the deadly threat and survives in one of Earth’s most hostile habitats. Scientists say …

The bright yellow worm that turns ocean poison into golden survival crystals Read More »

Researchers propose that the U.S. could safely drop adult tetanus and diphtheria boosters, saving $1 billion annually, since childhood vaccinations provide decades of protection. Evidence from the U.K. shows that skipping boosters has not led to higher disease rates. ​Researchers propose that the U.S. could safely drop adult tetanus and diphtheria boosters, saving $1 billion …

More likely to be struck by lightning than get tetanus. So why the boosters? Read More »

Scientists have discovered that waxworm caterpillars can break down polyethylene plastic, one of the most common and persistent pollutants on Earth. These “plastivores” metabolize plastic into body fat within days, offering a striking potential solution to the global waste crisis. But there’s a twist: on a plastic-only diet, the caterpillars weaken and die quickly. ​Scientists …

These “plastivore” caterpillars can devour a plastic bag in just 24 hours Read More »

Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability, but routine X-rays often do more harm than good. New research shows that being shown an X-ray can increase anxiety, make people fear exercise, and lead them to believe surgery is the only option, even when less invasive treatments could help. By focusing on clinical …

The surprising reason x-rays can push arthritis patients toward surgery Read More »

Even sharks’ famous tooth-regrowing ability may not save them from ocean acidification. Researchers found that future acidic waters cause shark teeth to corrode, crack, and weaken, threatening their effectiveness as hunting weapons and highlighting hidden dangers for ocean ecosystems. ​Even sharks’ famous tooth-regrowing ability may not save them from ocean acidification. Researchers found that future …

Sharks’ teeth are crumbling in acid seas Read More »

People who do several very short bouts of strenuous activity each day are much less likely to die in the next few years than those who do no exercise at all ​People who do several very short bouts of strenuous activity each day are much less likely to die in the next few years than …

Just 1 minute of vigorous exercise a day could add years to your life Read More »

You can feast guilt-free on farmed oysters and mussels as their production can have environmental benefits – but those probably don’t include capturing carbon ​You can feast guilt-free on farmed oysters and mussels as their production can have environmental benefits – but those probably don’t include capturing carbon You can feast guilt-free on farmed oysters and …

Are farmed oysters, mussels and clams the ultimate green foods? Read More »