Stories by Mariana Lenharo

A declaration signed by dozens of scientists says there is “a realistic possibility” for elements of consciousness in reptiles, insects and mollusks

An Alabama court ruling that human embryos outside the uterus should be regarded as children has raised concerns among doctors and scientists about the future of the fertility treatment in vitro fertilization

Recent studies evaluate risks associated with drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro

The antiviral drug ensitrelvir, which has not been approved outside of Japan, shortens sensory problems

Neuron activity shows that the brain uses different systems for counting up to four, and for five or more

Researchers publicly call out theory that they say is not well supported by science, but that gets undue attention

A checklist derived from six neuroscience-based theories of consciousness could help assess whether an artificial intelligence system achieves this state

Clinical-trial data suggest that semaglutide, sold under the name Wegovy, slashed risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular incidents in a trial

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the oral contraceptive Opill without a prescription, increasing access to birth control at drug stores and online retailers

The World Health Organization has declared that COVID is no longer a “public health emergency of international concern” but cautions that it is still an ongoing health issue

East Palestine residents are looking to independent researchers to fill gaps left by authorities about the toxic chemicals that could be affecting people after a train derailment

House Republicans have kicked off an investigation into how the pandemic began with witnesses who largely favor a lab origin

A judge’s decision could ban mifepristone across the country and weaken the Food and Drug Administration’s authority

Reduced population immunity resulting from COVID precautions, and a phenomenon called viral interference, may have influenced this flu season’s early start

Menstrual regulation has a long history in the U.S., and new techniques could get around abortion restrictions

New COVID booster vaccines built for the latest variants are here and should be more effective. But there are still some unknowns

The risks associated with hormonal contraception are lower than the risk of pregnancy itself and comparable to those of other over-the-counter drugs

Patient history, context and a few symptoms may help distinguish between the conditions

Scientists are just starting to unravel the disease’s long-term cardiac effects

A landmark study of women seeking abortions shows the harms of being unable to end an unwanted pregnancy

Studies show the vaccines against the disease not only can be safely given to people who are expecting but can also save lives

The scantness of available data leaves the decision up to the individual and their doctors, though benefits can outweigh risks in some cases

Microchannels strategically carved in chips could help meet demand for ever-smaller devices and cut energy use