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an illustration of DNA — 'Some of them have accuracy that's close to zero': Experts unpack the promise and pitfalls of genetic tests aimed at consumers Live Science spoke with a bioethicist and sociologist about emerging genomic technologies, including those that enable parents to "score" and "select" IVF embryos.
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A tan woman wearing sunglasses with long hair applies a dot of sunscreen to a young tan boy who scrunches up his face in response. A beach with toys is blurred but visible in the background. — Mineral sunscreen leaves an annoying white cast on skin — this new formula could change that Scientists have developed a new approach to formulating mineral sunscreen that could prevent it from leaving a white cast on the skin.

An illustration of a 3D transparent blue human body with red lines showing the nerves in the head and neck, with a blue human brain behind them — Sleep deprivation harms the gut via the vagus nerve, early study reveals New research reveals that sleep deprivation sends aberrant signals through the vagus nerve, triggering a serotonin surge that can kill gut stem cells.

Latest about Health

A little girl smiling while brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush

Best electric toothbrushes for kids 2026: Fun, effective and tested by experts.

By Joanne Lewsley last updated 16 February 26

Buying Guide These are the best electric toothbrushes for kids, from Oral B Kids and Philips Sonicare for Kids to AutoBrush Sonic Pro.

Buying Guide

A 3D illustration of two chromosomes, with the larger X chromosome on the left with its four ends dipped in yellow to show the telomeres, while the shorter Y chromosome is to the right.

Many men lose their Y chromosomes as they age. It may shorten their lives.

By Jenny Graves published 16 February 26

A researcher explores why men lose their Y chromosomes in cells as they age and the health implications associated with this loss.

Genetics

Vaccine denial sets Americans up for more chronic illness

By Janna K. Moen, Christine Miller published 15 February 26

Opinion Despite well-established links between pathogens and chronic illness, the U.S. government continues to weaken public health measures to treat and prevent infectious diseases — a strategy that will ultimately make Americans even sicker.

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Opinion

An illustration of blue double-helix strands of DNA surrounded by white bubbles against a blue background. The strand in the foreground closest to the viewer has a middle section lit up in golden light.

In a first, study links maternal genes to risk of pregnancy loss

By Zoe Cunniffe published 14 February 26

For the first time, scientists have identified genetic variants that increase the risk of aneuploidy, in which cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy in egg cells can lead to miscarriage.

Reproductive Health

Risk of death from pregnancy in the US is 44 times higher than that from abortion, new analysis reveals

By Marianne Guenot published 12 February 26

A figure commonly used to compare the risk of death from pregnancy compared with the risk of death from abortion might be based on outdated data, a new study suggests.

Reproductive Health

A close up shows two hands covered in blue latex gloves. The left is holding a small bottle containing blue liquid while the right hand uses a small syringe to pull out the liquid from the bottle

'DNA origami' could be key for making an effective HIV vaccine, early study hints

By Zunnash Khan published 12 February 26

A new vaccine design uses folded DNA to steer the immune system toward producing the rare immune cells needed to make protective antibodies against HIV.

HIV

Cancer vaccine shows promise against HPV-related throat tumors in early study

By Clarissa Brincat published 11 February 26

If proven effective in humans, the vaccine could complement standard therapies for HPV-driven cancer, as well as inform the design of therapeutic vaccines for other diseases.

Cancer

A woman with blond straight hair in a pony tail and wearing blue pajamas stretches on a bed with white sheets and pillows, smiling with her eyes closed

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

By Nicoletta Lanese published 11 February 26

Research suggests night owls may face different health risks than early birds do. Which category do you fit into, if either?

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Sleep

an illustration of sugar molecules in the blood

Needle-free insulin? Scientists invent gel that delivers insulin through the skin in animal studies

By Sayan Tribedi published 11 February 26

A new polymer gel can deliver insulin through intact skin in animal tests. It could someday offer a path toward needle-free diabetes treatment, some say.

Medicine & Drugs