Humans

Humans

Lidar reveals the oldest and biggest Maya structure yet found

A previously unknown Maya site in Mexico, called Aguada Fénix, adds to evidence that massive public works may have preceded kings in the civilization.

Health & Medicine

What parents need to know about kids in the summer of COVID-19

So far, evidence suggests children don’t often get severely ill from COVID-19, but there’s more to learn about their role in its spread.

Humans

The Dead Sea Scrolls contain genetic clues to their origins

Animal DNA is providing researchers with hints on how to assemble what amounts to a giant jigsaw puzzle of ancient manuscript fragments.

Genetics

Genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s also raise the risk of getting COVID-19

People who have the APOE4 genetic variant appear to be more vulnerable to the disease, but it’s unclear why.

Archaeology

A biblical-era Israeli shrine shows signs of the earliest ritual use of marijuana

Chemical analyses reveal a residue of cannabis and animal dung on an altar from a biblical-era fortress in use more than 2,700 years ago.

Health & Medicine

Wastewater could provide up to a week of warning for a COVID-19 spike

A new study adds to evidence that sewage may serve as an early warning signal that the coronavirus has hit a community.

Health & Medicine

Infecting people with COVID-19 could speed vaccine trials. Is it worth it?

To accelerate vaccine development, some experts argue we should purposefully infect volunteers with the coronavirus. Others warn of the risks.

Health & Medicine

Is the coronavirus mutating? Yes. But here’s why you don’t need to panic

Some studies claim there are new strains of the coronavirus, but lab experiments are needed to see if mutations are changing how it infects cells.

Neuroscience

How coronavirus stress may scramble our brains

The pandemic has made clear thinking a real struggle. But researchers say knowing how stress affects the brain can help people cope.

Health & Medicine

Politics aside, hydroxychloroquine could (maybe) help fight COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine may help prevent COVID-19, or it may not. Studies are under way to find out. Meanwhile, here’s what we know.

Health & Medicine

There are two versions of the coronavirus. One’s not more dangerous than the other

Factors such as a person’s age and white blood cell counts matter more for disease severity when it comes to COVID-19, a study finds.

Health & Medicine

As we wait for a vaccine, here’s a snapshot of potential COVID-19 treatments

Though a vaccine remains the ultimate goal, researchers are on the hunt for new ways to treat COVID-19.