Stories by Allison Parshall

There are real, physiological reasons why the same temperature feels different in April and October

The bankruptcy of 23andMe highlights a lack of protections for genetic privacy in the U.S.

With limited access to mental health care, people looking for answers about ADHD are turning to TikTok, where information is frequently misleading or inaccurate

Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories

Analyzing the metaphors we use to talk about ChatGPT can reveal how we’re thinking about the new tech

Ants’ tactics to avoid traffic jams could be applied to future self-driving cars

The overly sterile environment of the International Space Station is missing important microbes, a new detailed map shows. If we want to live off Earth, we may need to take more of our bacterial friends with us

Highway widening projects usually don’t solve congestion, but less expensive toll programs known as congestion pricing can. Here’s why

In this week’s news roundup, we cover activity from the black hole at our galaxy’s center and a troubling measles outbreak in Texas.

Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories

The nonaddictive painkiller suzetrigine (Journavx) is as effective for acute pain as a common opioid treatment

In honor of the Year of the Snake, let’s appreciate the strange anatomy and evolution of these slithery reptiles

Mobile sports betting apps’ frictionless designs, personalized notifications and 24/7 availability have many gambling addiction experts worried

Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories

Linguists think that the words that we use to express pain might tell us something about our shared biology and the commonality of language.

Wildfires burning in cities unleash a toxic, unpredictable combination of compounds into the air

Researchers are learning what causes Alice in Wonderland syndrome, a rare neurological condition that can appear to warp bodies, time and reality itself

This year scientists found universal language for pain, tracked why some words go extinct, developed mind-reading brain-to-speech technology, and more

Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories

Translating complex information into captivating podcasts is no simple task. Is AI up to the challenge?

In United States v. Skrmetti, the Supreme Court is considering whether a law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth is discriminatory under the Constitution

From “ouch” to “aïe” to “yakayi,” languages across the world exclaim pain using similar-sounding words, hinting at a common origin

Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories

Food anxiety can peak during the holidays. Here’s how to manage it and enjoy yourself