Measles Is Back, and That Is Scary
The deadly virus was practically eliminated in the U.S., but now it’s infecting more people.
Stories by Josh Fischman
Josh Fischman is a senior editor at Scientific American who covers medicine, biology and science policy. He has written and edited about science and health for Discover, Science, Earth, and U.S. News & World Report.Follow Josh Fischman on Twitter.
Why Short Naps Are Good for You
A quick nap can boost your memory, your mood and even your creativity
Large Study of ME/CFS Patients Reveals Measurable Physical Changes
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, long dismissed by doctors, causes immune system dysfunction and other problems. But treatments are lacking.
Should You Swab Your Throat plus Your Nose for COVID?
Nose-plus-throat swabbing for COVID could increase test accuracy—but could create problems, too
New IVF Test Could Increase Chances of Pregnancy Success
A noninvasive test for genetic material could predict embryo quality in IVF.
The Best Way to Use Home COVID Tests Right Now
When symptoms start, COVID tests may say you’re not infected when you really are.
How to Avoid Holiday Hangovers
The holidays are a time for indulgence, but there are ways to drink alcohol without suffering the painful effects.
A New Type of Heart Disease is on the Rise
Problems with the heart, kidneys and metabolic health are all connected
Why Childhood Vaccination Rates Are Falling
Fewer kids got their routine childhood vaccines since before the pandemic. Are lack of access and a loss of trust in science to blame?
Quick Naps Are Good for Your Brain
Daytime naps of about 30 minutes really improve your thinking and may spark creativity.
What Are Ultraprocessed Foods, and Are They Bad for You?
More than half of our diet consists of foods that have been industrially processed in some way, and they may be harmful to our health
How to Handle This New COVID Season
The dangerous virus is still here. Here’s how you can stay safe.
A Popular Decongestant Doesn’t Work. What Does?
The popular decongestant phenylephrine is not effective, an FDA panel found. Here’s what to use instead.
2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Goes to Tiny Quantum Dots with Huge Effects
Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their discovery of quantum dots, an entirely new class of material that is used in large-screen TVs and cancer surgery
Should You Get a Blood Test For Alzheimer’s?
Consumers can now get easy tests for Alzheimer’s. But these tests may not really help patients that much—yet.
This Tick Bite Makes You Allergic to Red Meat
The bite of the lone star tick makes people allergic to a sugar found in mammalian products, and many doctors don’t know about it.
See How Stress Affects Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In inflammatory bowel disease, mental stress can produce two painful responses
Hearing Aids Stave Off Cognitive Decline
Hearing aids may help maintain better brain functions in older people and better health overall.
Could Weight-Loss Drugs Curb Addiction? Your Health, Quickly, Episode 12
Drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic might help people tackle substance abuse as well as shed pounds.
How Stress Messes With Your Gut
Inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups can be traced to mental stress
Doctor AI Will See You Now
ChatGPT and other AI programs can offer medical advice. But how good are they?
How to Cool Down Fast in Summer Heat
Your body has a secret cooling method, and scientists explain how to use it.
MDMA Moves from Club Drug to Real Therapy
The party drug MDMA could soon be approved for treating people with severe PTSD.
The End of the COVID Emergency and What It Means for You
What you pay for tests, vaccines, and medicine will change