Humans

Anthropology

Ancient primates’ unchipped teeth hint that they ate mostly fruit

Of more than 400 teeth collected, just 21 were chipped, suggesting that early primate diets were soft on their choppers.

Health & Medicine

Fetuses make a protein that causes morning sickness in pregnancy

A hormone called GDF15 triggers a part of the brain involved in nausea and vomiting, a new study finds. Blocking its action may lead to treatments.

Science & Society

Most people say self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree

Psychologists say self-control is about planning ahead to avoid relying on willpower in the moment. Laypeople see things differently.

Health & Medicine

When it comes to physical activity, every bit counts

Biking to the store. Raking leaves. Playing with your kids. Scientists are getting a clearer picture of all the activities that offer health benefits.

Psychology

Here’s how to give a good gift, according to science

Gifting researcher Julian Givi outlines common mistakes gift givers make and how science can help us avoid those costly errors.

Life

These scientific discoveries set new records in 2023

This year’s record-breaking findings shed new light on human history and the most amazing feats in the animal kingdom.

Earth

Here are some big-if-true scientific claims that made headlines in 2023

Hominid cannibalism, “dark stars,” the secrets of Earth’s core and more tantalizing findings will require more evidence before scientists can confirm them as fact.

Health & Medicine

Here are some of the biggest medical advances in 2023

The first CRISPR gene-editing therapy, a new Alzheimer’s drug and RSV vaccines were among the big developments in medicine this year.

Health & Medicine

Why weight-loss drugs became more popular than ever this year

Ozempic and related drugs can drastically reduce body weight, and more potent versions are on the way. But questions remain about who should take them.

Health & Medicine

A gene editing technique shows promise for lowering LDL cholesterol 

In a trial of 10 people with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic medicine reduced levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood by up to 55 percent.

Anthropology

Spanish horses joined Indigenous South Americans’ societies long before Europeans came to stay

By the early 1600s, hunter-gatherers at the continent’s southern tip adopted horses left behind by colonial newcomers, new finds suggest.

Health & Medicine

The first CRISPR therapy approved in the U.S. will treat sickle cell disease

In the world’s first CRISPR-based treatment, genetic tweaks to red blood cells aim to help people with the often debilitating disease.