Latest articles by Emily Cooke
The rare genetic disorder that forces people to avoid sunlight
People with xeroderma pigmentosum can severely burn within minutes of being in the sun and are thousands of times more likely to develop skin cancer than others.
Scientists test first-ever vaccine for acne: Here's what we know
An experimental vaccine for acne could someday transform the way patients with the condition are treated, according to the company that developed the shot. However, it is still early days.
DNA from across the ages can reveal migrations of Iron-Age people and genes that protected against Chernobyl radiation
Ingrida Domarkienė, a geneticist at Vilnius University in Lithuania, discusses the exciting developments made possible by studying ancient and modern DNA.
Nearly 3 million extra deaths by 2030 could result from HIV funding cuts, study suggests
A modeling study looked at how anticipated cuts to international HIV funding would affect the rate of new cases and HIV-related deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
This rare disease causes people to move uncontrollably and unintentionally self-harm
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is an extremely rare disease that affects patients' behavior and cognitive skills.
The exceptionally rare disease that causes holes to form in your brain
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is an extremely rare and fatal brain-wasting disease that's like a human version of "mad cow."
Science of sleep quiz: How much do you know about sleep and dreams?
Test your knowledge of how sleeping and dreaming work.
What is hantavirus? The rare but deadly respiratory illness spread by rodents
Hantaviruses are spread by rodents and can cause deadly respiratory and kidney illnesses in humans. It recently killed Betsy Arakawa, actor Gene Hackman's wife, in a widely covered case.
When will the US measles outbreak end?
A public health official in Texas recently warned that the state's ongoing measles outbreak could last a year. Why are cases expected to keep rising?
'Fingerprints of cancer' found after scientists flash infrared light pulses at blood samples
A new, AI-powered test can detect the molecular "fingerprints" of cancer in a patient's blood using flashes of infrared light.
US measles outbreak tops 600 cases — what to know about the disease
As measles outbreaks in the U.S. continue, here's what to know about how the disease spreads, what its symptoms are, and how to protect yourself and community from the illness.
$3 million Breakthrough Prize awarded to developers of Ozempic-style drugs
Five researchers have been jointly awarded one of this year's Breakthrough Prizes in Life Sciences for their contributions to the development of Ozempic-style drugs.
Drug makes blood toxic to malaria-spreading mosquitoes
Nitisinone, a drug that is already used to treat two genetic diseases, could be repurposed to control the spread of malaria, according to new research.
This rare bacterial infection triggers pus-filled sores in the lungs and brain
Nocardiosis is a rare bacterial infection that attacks the lungs, skin and brain.
Staring at the March 29 solar eclipse can cause eye damage in seconds — and you won’t even feel it happening
Experts explain damage that can happen to your eyes if you stare at the partial eclipse without using adequate protection.
New cells discovered in eye could help restore vision, scientists say
A new study suggests that never-seen-before stem cells in the human retina can restore vision in mice with a common eye disorder. But more work is needed to translate the treatment to people.
'Fish odor syndrome': A rare metabolic condition that makes sweat smell like rotten fish
Patients with trimethylaminuria, or "fish odor syndrome," make too much of a chemical with a strong fishy smell.
Why don't we remember being babies?
The inability to remember your first few years of life is called infantile amnesia. But why does it happen?
In a 1st, trial finds vitamin D supplements may slow multiple sclerosis. But questions remain.
A new clinical trial has shown for the first time that taking high doses of vitamin D could stave off the progression of multiple sclerosis. However, much more research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Simple blood tests could be the future of cancer diagnosis
Blood tests that detect early cancer are coming to market. Could they lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment?
What is babesiosis? The parasitic infection that 'eats' your red blood cells
Most people exposed to the parasites behind babesiosis don't get sick, but for others, the infection can be deadly.
POLG diseases: Rare genetic conditions that starve cells of energy and afflicted the late Prince of Luxembourg
POLG-related diseases disrupt the function of the mitochondria, or "powerhouses" of the cell — starving them of energy.
