Futurity

A new discovery explains how the brain prepares the body for food. Our brain prepares the body for an incoming meal before we even take the first bite. The aroma of food simmering on the stove, for instance, can trigger the brain to send signals to the pancreas, which in turn releases insulin into the bloodstream. A new Nature Metabolism study reveals how a key group of neurons helps mediate this process. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that regulates appetite through different groups

A single-shot vaccine under development could protect against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Flu season is no longer just flu season. Since 2022, the health care community has faced what’s known as a “tripledemic” of seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). That may mean that the flu shot needs to become more than a flu shot. In a study in Science Advances, researchers found that their three-in-one vaccine triggered protective immunity against all three res

A new study suggests that reinforcing the body’s natural daily rhythms to improve sleep could help the brain recover after a stroke. The work points to a potential new strategy to improve brain waste clearance and outcomes long after the initial injury. The research in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that interventions designed to reinforce the body’s natural circadian rhythms improved recovery in mouse models of stroke. The benefits were accompanied by improvements in th

New research digs into how eye movements and brain activity shape reading comprehension. Reading seems like a straightforward process. The eyes scan the words, and the brain turns them into meaning. But it’s not always that simple. Readers regularly skip words, sometimes without realizing it. New research from the University of South Florida shows how the brain still processes those skipped words using peripheral vision, even as the eyes move past them. Elizabeth Schotter, associate profes

Researchers have identified how ovarian cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy and discovered a protein, that, when blocked, can restore the drug’s effectiveness. The findings in Cell Reports center on cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug that is still considered among the gold standard for treating ovarian and other cancers. It’s been long understood that cisplatin works by damaging cancer cells’ DNA, but this study shows that it also disrupts microtubules, which

New research shows cognitive decline in dogs is associated with a shorter stride length—specifically in their front limbs. The work provides a more complete picture of dogs that are developing dementia, potentially allowing earlier detection and providing another means of monitoring progress. “We know that in humans, changes in stride length have been linked to cognitive impairment and dementia,” says Natasha Olby, professor of neurology and a chair in gerontology at North Carolina S

An expert has answers for you about the physics behind soccer’s greatest plays. As the FIFA World Cup continues, fans will marvel at powerful shots, bending corner kicks, and spectacular saves. “…the beautiful game is also a remarkable demonstration of science in motion.” But behind every goal is a lesson in physics. Michigan State University physicist Stuart Tessmer explains how forces, momentum, and even air pressure shape the world’s most popular sport. The post

In a new podcast episode, an expert digs into what our trash problem says about our culture. Every day, we throw things away, only to be forgotten forever. But society didn’t always work in the same way. In this episode of the Big Brains podcast, University of Chicago scholar and anthropologist Sarah Newman discusses her book, Unmaking Waste: New Histories of Old Things (University of Chicago Press, 2026). An archaeologist by training, Newman discusses the history of trash across time—from

A new study tracking thousands of B cells across more than 100 germinal centers in mice reveals how the immune system consistently produces highly effective antibodies. The findings overturn longstanding ideas about how germinal centers function, revealing that they are far more selective than once thought, and challenge the idea that antibody improvement is driven mainly by rare growth “bursts” among the most successful B cells. This discovery could have implications for immune cell

Researchers developed a new approach to treating spinal cord injuries: controllable microrobots delivering stem cells directly to the site of an injury. Spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences for those affected. Nerve cells in the spinal cord rarely regenerate naturally, while scarring often prevents the regrowth of nerve fibers. Modern therapies attempt to influence implanted stem cells using electrical stimulation to promote the growth of new nerve cells. This approach has seve

A new desalination method produces drinking water from seawater without chemical additives. The solar-powered system uses specially engineered black metal to absorb sunlight. Its self-cleaning surface separates and collects salts, instead of dumping them as harmful brine waste. From the salts, the system can extract lithium, a key material for rechargeable batteries. The approach could help address global water shortages and growing mineral demand. The United Nations estimates that 2.2 billion p

Researchers have discovered signs of sleep loss in saliva. Acute sleep deprivation can be detected using just a single saliva sample, the researchers report. This method could help improve road safety and safety in high-risk professions in the future. Good sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. And yet, sleep problems are widespread. According to the latest Swiss Health Survey, around one-third of the population report suffering from sleep disorders. Women and young people aged 1

Scientists have discovered that aging muscle may contribute to cancer growth by releasing fewer extracellular vesicles, tiny particles that cells use to communicate with one another. Their study also found that composition of these particles changes with age, weakening protective signals that help suppress tumor development. Encouragingly, exercise appears to restore this protective function. Published in Nature Communications, the findings offer fresh insights into healthy aging and cancer prev

The decision to reveal or conceal a core part of one’s identity may seem like a small, everyday choice, but new research suggests those moments can have meaningful consequences for emotional well-being. The study found that sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults who felt compelled to hide their identities were more likely to experience emotional distress and uncertainty about themselves. In contrast, participants who felt able to be open about who they are reported greater confidenc

Working with mouse models, research has revealed previously hidden biology of how touch-sensitive hairs create itching sensations. This fundamental discovery opens new avenues to better understand and potentially address human health conditions characterized by persistent itchiness. “Itch is one of the major symptoms in most chronic skin inflammation patients,” says Bo Duan, associate professor in the molecular, cellular, and developmental biology department at the University of Mich

GLP-1 medications are marketed to help you lose weight, but one may be better at it than the rest, according to a new meta-analysis. Tirzepatide, better known as Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for treatment of type 2 diabetes, helped patients lose more than 20% of their starting body weight across the reviewed studies. Semaglutide (marketed under the brand name Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) did lead to weight loss, but it was significantly less at 15% and 8%, respectively. The review

The Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization had far-reaching consequences for women’s access to abortion and prenatal health care, but a new analysis highlights the extent to which the Dobbs decision is also reshaping the political landscape of the United States. A new book, Not Going Back (Temple University Press, 2026), unpacks a tremendous amount of survey data and offers in-depth analysis of the impact Dobbs continues to have on voter b

In a new podcast episode, a computer scientist explores tactics used in apps and online to deceive users—from subscription traps to collecting data. Why does it seem so difficult to cancel a subscription, delete an account, or opt-out of data tracking? You might think it’s just bad luck or a confusing user interface, but more often than not, it’s by design. Marshini Chetty is a professor at the University of Chicago’s computer science department. In this episode of Big Brains,

The same biological signals that help predict lifespan in humans also appear in dogs, according to new research from the Dog Aging Project. The finding could help scientists better understand aging in both species. In a study in The Journals of Gerontology, researchers found that patterns of metabolites—small chemicals and molecules produced during normal bodily processes—were associated with earlier or later death in dogs in much the same way they have been shown in humans. “The molecules

Mosquitoes can learn to like DEET, the world’s most powerful insect repellent, according to a new study. Every summer, millions of people spray themselves with DEET to keep mosquitoes away. But the new research suggests mosquitoes may be able to learn to associate the repellent with food—and even become attracted to it. The study in the Journal of Experimental Biology, was a collaboration between Clément Vinauger, associate professor at Virginia Tech, and Claudio Lazzari at the University