Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
A new algae-based menstrual pad could stop leaks
By turning period blood into a gel, the pad’s alginate powder filler reduces leakage.
- Health & Medicine
Sepsis tests take days, putting patients at risk. A new method may cut wait time
A faster way to figure out what bacteria is causing a potentially deadly bloodstream infection could let doctors treat it more quickly and efficiently.
- Health & Medicine
HIV prevention may only require two injections per year
There were no new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women taking a new PrEP formulation, a twice-yearly shot of the drug lenacapavir.
- Health & Medicine
Some melanoma cancer cells may punch their way through the body
A new study clarifies how melanoma cells use cell membrane protrusions called “blebs” to burrow through tissue.
- Health & Medicine
How to stay healthy during the COVID-19 summertime surge
Infections peak in the summer and winter. Up-to-date vaccinations, testing and masking can slow the spread.
- Health & Medicine
The odds of developing long COVID dropped as the coronavirus evolved
As different coronavirus variants took center stage during the pandemic, the chances of developing long COVID fell, especially for vaccinated people.
- Neuroscience
Psilocybin temporarily dissolves brain networks
A high dose of the psychedelic drug briefly throws the brain off kilter. Other, longer-lasting changes could hint at psilocybin's therapeutic effects.
- Health & Medicine
This python-inspired device could make rotator cuff surgeries more effective
A new device, modeled after a python’s teeth and grip, could double the strength of rotator cuff repairs and prevent retearing after surgery.
- Health & Medicine
Rogue antibodies may cause some long COVID symptoms
Tissue-targeting antibodies have been a key suspect in long COVID. Now, two studies show that antibodies from patients can cause symptoms in mice.
- Humans
World record speeds for two Olympics events have fallen over time. We can go faster
The human body can go faster in the 100-meter dash and the 50-meter freestyle. But to reach full potential, our technique must be perfect.
- Space
A Dune-inspired spacesuit turns astronaut pee into drinking water
The spacesuit design collects urine, filters it, adds electrolytes and stores the cleaned water for the astronaut to drink.
- Health & Medicine
Bird flu has been invading the brains of mammals. Here’s why
Although H5N1 and its relatives can cause mild disease in some animals, these viruses are more likely to infect brain tissue than other types of flu.
