Body and Mind

In the first US study looking at whether the recommended fluoride levels in drinking water affects brain function, researchers have found that the hot-button mineral has no negative impacts on cognition – and may actually be giving it a boost.

Terrified of bloodwork, needles, and clinic bills? Science is getting closer and closer to collecting our health data in fast, affordable, and pain-free ways – the latest example being a cup sticker that measures vitamin C levels in the user's sweat.

Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding how fat cells grow in size, in response to accommodating larger droplets of fat. The findings unlock a new path in tackling obesity, by reducing the amount of fat our cells can store away.

In a new study, researchers discovered that the human brain has four pivotal periods when it goes through marked changes, sparking five "epochs" that last for years. The adolescent phase, for example, was found to extend into our early 30s.

In a major brain science breakthrough, researchers discovered a nerve signaling mechanism that takes place outside the cell, flipping on a 'pain switch.' This could shed light on a path to safer pain medication without the usual side effects.

Scientists have failed to show that weight-loss wonder drug semaglutide can also slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as two two-year clinical trials end in disappointment for patients, medical scientists and drugmaker Novo Nordisk.

Scientists have made history with a device that successfully eavesdrops on the neuronal chatter between the brain and the gut, furthering our understanding of its intrinsic interconnectedness – and how it drives health and disease throughout the body.

Imagine having your own fitness coach available at any moment, who won't charge you $100 an hour. BodyPark, a Hong Kong-based company that develops AI-powered fitness technology, has unveiled its minimalistic AI-fitness device, Atom, on Kickstarter.

Our fat tissue could be used to make our bones regrow, with scientists successfully using adipose cells to repair spinal compression fractures. It could change how breaks are treated and improve bone strength in diseases such as osteoporosis.

Scientists have discovered why males get dental disease more frequently and with greater severity than females, pinpointing the specific inflammation driving it. This could help treat gum and tooth decay in both sexes through different interventions.

Scientists have, for the first time, developed functional, brain-like tissue without relying on animal-derived materials or biological coatings. The innovation offers a new, fully synthetic platform for neural tissue engineering.

In a Phase 3 trial of more than 18,000 volunteers across three countries, a novel mRNA influenza vaccine developed by Pfizer has outperformed standard seasonal flu shots by 34.5%. It's yet another sign that this biotechnology is here to stay.

Scientists have found the clearest evidence yet that Epstein-Barr virus – which nearly all of us carry for life – is directly responsible for hijacking our immune system's cells to cause lupus, a chronic disease that affects up to a million Americans.

US brain-computer-interface startup Paradromics is establishing itself as a major player in the neural-device space, with the Food and Drug Administration green-lighting a human trial to test its ability in restoring speech to people with paralysis.

We already know how watching other people’s lives on social media can affect our self-esteem. Apparently, using apps to track your fitness activities can have a similar effect. A new study suggests that fitness apps can become major demotivators.