Archaeologists have uncovered 5,000-year-old sacrificial pits near Gerstewitz in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, revealing a haunting glimpse into ancient ritual practices. Initial studies have associated the pits with the Salzmünde culture (circa…
Category: Humans
Study finds rising cannabis use among Black and Hispanic men with chronic illness
Credit: Elsa Olofsson from Pexels Cannabis use is gaining popularity in the United States, driven by growing legalization, public acceptance and diverse methods of consumption. More people than ever before…
Serotonin receptor signaling insights may pave way for next-gen mental health drugs
High-resolution 3D image showing how the 5-HT1A receptor connects with internal signaling proteins (G proteins). The highlighted areas reveal key contact points between the receptor and two different types of…
Empathy Can Be Emotionally Conditioned
Key Questions Answered Q: Can empathy be learned through emotional reward?A: Yes. The study found that when someone else’s joy is consistently paired with personal reward, the brain begins to…
Some probiotics could feed, rather than fend off, infections
Probiotics aren’t universally gut-friendly, a study in mice suggests. At least one type of usually beneficial gut bacteria may invite an unwanted guest. A single dose of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria,…
Murder-Suicide Rates in U.S. Higher Than Previously Estimated
Key Questions Answered Q: How common are murder-suicide events in the U.S.?A: The study found an average of 820 deaths per year from murder-suicide events—higher than previous estimates. Q: Who…
As wrestling fans reel from the sudden death of Hulk Hogan, a cardiologist explains how to live long and healthy − and avoid chronic disease
On July 24, 2025, the American pro wrestling celebrity Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71. Hogan had chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a…
Shingles vaccination rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major gaps remain for underserved groups
Vaccination against shingles increased among adults age 50 and older in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not equally across all population groups. That’s the key finding from a…
New Drug Targets Brain Glial Cells to Reverse PTSD Symptoms
Key Questions Answered Q: Why do PTSD patients struggle to forget traumatic memories?A: The study reveals that excessive GABA, produced by astrocytes via the MAOB enzyme, disrupts the brain’s ability…
Texas advocates were prepared to seize the moment
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Federal health authorities, headed now by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are embracing vaccine hesitancy in a way they never have before. In the…
