Emory University

A decade-long global review has confirmed that good heart health, measured by diet, exercise, and other habits, not only protects against heart disease but also supports nearly every organ system, reducing risks of dementia, cancer, and more.

E. coli is arguably the most well-studied organism on Earth, but scientists have now discovered a new behavior that’s almost never seen in bacteria. The normally single-celled organisms have shown signs of previously unknown multicellular phases.

Nerve damage can result in pain that lasts for years, or even a lifetime. There may be new hope, however, as scientists now report that exposing damaged nerves to a cold needle can cause them to regenerate, drastically reducing pain.

The world has surpassed 500 million officially recorded COVID-19 cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Other researchers estimate nearly half of the world’s total population has likely been infected at least once with SARS-CoV-2.

A novel technique that involves directing low-grade radiofrequency energy through sensory nerves is shaping as a promising treatment for arthritis, after delivering significant and long-lasting decreases in pain in an early study.

Neuroscientists discovered that electrically stimulating the cingulum brain region creates a mild euphoria complete with laughter, and used it to calm down a patient undergoing a brain surgery where she needed to stay awake. It could be used as a treatment for anxiety, depression or chronic pain.

Currently, the most accurate method of checking for anemia is to draw a blood sample and conduct a count of a patient's red blood cells, which contain iron-rich hemoglobin. Soon, however, a smartphone app may be able to non-invasively do the same job.

A key culprit behind the painful sting of a fire ant could prove a key component in new creams to treat psoriasis. New research has found that a key compound in the creature's toxic venom can combat some of the symptoms of psoriasis, by helping to repair the barrier function of the skin.

A less awful alternative to getting injections is another step closer to reality. In human clinical trials, painless microneedle patches have been found to be just as effective at delivering flu vaccines, and are easier to administer, transport, store and dispose of than regular needles.

The brain circuitry involved in falling in love is still being untangled, but neuroscientists have found the regions in brains of prairie voles responsible for pair bonding​. By stimulating those areas they have been able to encourage the formation of such bonds.

Frog mucus might seem like the kind of flu remedy a witch doctor would suggest, but researchers have found that certain peptides excreted by frogs can fight off human flu strains. As such, they could be used as emergency stand-ins during flu outbreaks when regular vaccines aren’t available.

Stories, whether fact or fiction, are at the heart of human culture. A strong narrative can resonate with your personality and experiences, and help set a framework for your future. "That book changed my life" is a cherished maxim. So can a book change your brain too?