InformerNow

For decades, doctors have depended on indicators such as body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio to gauge a person’s risk for chronic disease. But researchers are now turning their attention to a different, often-overlooked measurement: neck circumference. While a thick neck may suggest physical power, like that of athletes in contact sports, research indicates…

The rapid loss of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is often seen as an environmental catastrophe. Yet researchers have found that the same melting process could help sustain life in unexpected ways. As the ice retreats, it creates conditions that encourage the growth of algae, the foundation of the Arctic’s marine food web. Algae…

A tight work deadline, a clogged toilet, or a disagreement with a loved one can make an ordinary day feel overwhelming. When several of these small frustrations build up, stress can quickly escalate. But according to new research that includes scientists from Penn State, simply feeling more in control might help make those everyday challenges…

Rebecca MorelleScience Editor and Alison FrancisSenior Science Journalist Tony Jolliffe/ BBC News From a very young age, Eileen Collins wanted to be an astronaut She’s the astronaut who smashed through the glass ceiling. And kept on going. Eileen Collins made history as the first woman to pilot and command a spacecraft – but despite her…

An international team of scientists has analyzed brain scans from around 30,000 participants and found striking connections between the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and measurable differences in brain structure. These differences could be part of a feedback loop that promotes overeating and food addiction. “Our findings suggest that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods…