Reporting on Health
National Geographic: Which sugar substitute is best for you? Here’s how they compare
Artificial and plant-based sweeteners don’t simply replace sugar. Research shows they can alter metabolism, appetite, and even the gut microbiome.
Scientific American: Why Ozempic and Wegovy Change Some People’s Favorite Foods
Some users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have been reporting strange changes in food preferences, such as a new dislike for meats or fried foods.
WIRED: Why Women Get Migraines More Than Men
Women suffer from migraines three times as often as men, and often with more intensity. New research into the role of hormones is helping explain why.
National Geographic: Diet soda might be making you hungrier
The idea that diet sodas can help you lose weight is becoming increasingly complicated as emerging research suggests they may confuse the brain.
WIRED: Why Women With Type 2 Diabetes Are Diagnosed Later Than Men
Researchers are trying to understand more about the biological and social differences that contribute to later diabetes diagnoses and worse outcomes in women.
National Geographic: Cortisol rises during intense workouts. Is that really a bad thing?
Low-intensity exercise is thought to be better for keeping this “stress hormone” in check. But scientists say cortisol plays a crucial role in fueling your workout.
Scientific American: Are Foodborne Illnesses and Deaths in the U.S. Worsening? New Data on Recalls Explain
Researchers are trying to understand more about the biological and social differences that contribute to later diabetes diagnoses and worse outcomes in women.
Scientific American: Most People Stop Ozempic after Two Years. What Happens to Weight and Health?
Ozempic and similar GLP-1 weight-loss medications are designed to be a lifelong treatment. But a new study finds the majority of people who use these drugs quit after just two years.
Scientific American: Which Foods Are the Most Ultraprocessed? New System Ranks Them
Scientists have created a ranking of grocery store items based on their degree of processing.
JAMA Medical News: Study Offers Insights Into Male HPV Infection’s Potential Role in Infertility
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is well known for causing cervical cancer in women, but the effect of this virus in men—especially its potential role in infertility—is less well known.
National Geographic: Do vitamin patches work? Experts weigh in on the latest health trend
Vitamin patches are trending as a convenient alternative to supplements, but experts remain skeptical about their ability to bypass the body’s natural barriers.
Scientific American: How Retinol Cosmetics Change Skin at a Chemical Level
Experts explain the differences between popular retinol products and the way they trigger molecular changes deep in the skin.
JAMA Medical News: COVID-19 May Protect Against the Common Cold—Here’s Why Knowing That Could Lead to Better Vaccines
A single vaccine against current and future coronaviruses might be a step closer thanks to a focus on T-cell immunity.
Scientific American: Are Plant-Based Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Heart Disease?
A recent study found that eating ultraprocessed plant-based foods was linked to heart attack and stroke risk. But the devil is in the details.