Nathan Seppa

Biomedical Writer (retired September 2015)

All Stories by Nathan Seppa

  1. Humans

    An amusing romp through word histories

    From ak to wid, a new book makes etymology fun.

  2. Science & Society

    A parting shot of coffee

    Science News biomedical writer Nathan Seppa gives some final thoughts on coffee, saunas and skepticism as he retires from the magazine after 18 years.

  3. Health & Medicine

    Coffee reveals itself as an unlikely elixir

    Coffee is earning a reputation as a health tonic, reducing risk for a long list of ailments and even lowering death rates.

  4. Health & Medicine

    Earlier is better for HIV treatment

    People infected with HIV benefit from starting a drug regimen early, an international study finds.

  5. Life

    Experimental MERS vaccine shows promise

    An experimental vaccine against the MERS virus triggers immune protection, a new study finds.

  6. Life

    Source of liver’s ability to regenerate found

    Scientists have identified stem cells behind the liver’s legendary ability to replenish its tissue.

  7. Health & Medicine

    Spicy food linked to longevity

    Spicy food in the diet seems to contribute to longevity, a study of thousands of people in a Chinese registry finds.

  8. Health & Medicine

    Spicy food associated with longevity

    Spicy food in the diet seems to contribute to longevity, a study of thousands of people in a Chinese registry finds.

  9. Health & Medicine

    Ebola vaccine protects people in West Africa

    In Guinea trial, zero cases of Ebola occurred in people potentially exposed who received immediate shots of a new experimental vaccine.

  10. Health & Medicine

    Bystanders deliver on CPR

    People suffering from cardiac arrest are more likely to survive without brain damage if a bystander performs CPR, new studies suggest.

  11. Health & Medicine

    New cancer drugs wake up sleeping killer T cells

    The immune system’s T cells, often evaded by tumors, might now resume the attack.

  12. Health & Medicine

    An antidepressant may protect against Ebola

    Zoloft and a heart drug keep most mice alive after exposure to Ebola.