Brain Scientists Look Beyond Opioids To Conquer Pain
The search is on for opioid alternatives that can block pain without causing addiction. One promising candidate: snail venom.
Health & Safety
In D.C., Brain Science Meets Behavioral Science To Shed Light On Mental Disorders
The Society for Neuroscience meeting is taking place in Washington, D.C., this weekend. Researchers there are focusing on how to find the biological underpinnings of mental disorders.
Digging Up Land Mines: 'If You Say You're Not Afraid, You're Lying'
Colombia is one of the world's most heavily mined countries. Now that the rebels and the government have reached a peace deal, the slow process of de-mining is underway.
Scientists Start To Tease Out The Subtler Ways Racism Hurts Health
The biological effects of lifelong exposure to racism or other sorts of discrimination can be complicated, scientists say, but likely tap into the same mechanisms as other types of chronic stress.
Did Zika Cause More Miscarriages Than Microcephaly?
A study looks at the rate of miscarriage — and of babies born with the birth defect — among a group of pregnant women in Brazil. Researchers were surprised by what they found.
Medicaid Expansion Takes A Bite Out Of Medical Debt
Medical debt is down across the country. In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the reduction is sharper.
In The Age Of Legalization, Talking To Kids About Marijuana Gets Tougher
Now that recreational marijuana use in California and other states is legal for adults and marketers are ramping up ads, youth drug educators fear that kids may think it's safe for them to light up.
ACLU Pushes Feds To Reject Alamance County's Immigration Enforcement Request
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina is urging the federal government to reject a county's request for immigration enforcement funds.
Frustration Mounts Over Puerto Rico's 'New Normal' As Federal Troops Leave The Island
Army officials say they're beginning a drawdown of federal troops on Puerto Rico, even as many homes still lack power and clean drinking water.
Researcher Says Aaron Hernandez's Brain Showed Signs Of Severe CTE
Hernandez enjoyed a brilliant career on the football field and displayed a remarkable self-destructive streak off the field.