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'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.
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.
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Latest about Health

A pregnant woman in a purple tank top looks down at her belly standing in front of a black background

Emerging embryo-selection technologies are currently 'little more than snake oil.' But someday, they could widen social inequities.

By Daphne O. Martschenko, Sam Trejo published

Book In the book "What We Inherit," experts unpack long-standing myths about genes and how those myths could shape public opinion around emerging embryo-selection technologies.

Book
A person wearing blue long-sleeve scrubs and white gloves holds a piece of paper standing over a metal table with a body covered in a white sheet with only its feet sticking out on top. The bare feet face the camera and have a label attached to the right foot's big toe

What is rigor mortis, and why does it happen?

By Isabel Gil published

Bodies usually stiffen after death in a process known as rigor mortis. But why does this happen, and how long does it last?

6 Comments
Health
A close up image of a white mouse with red eyes and a pink nose sitting in a right hand wearing a green latex glove, all against a tan background

'Universal' nasal-spray vaccine protects against viruses, bacteria and allergens in mice

By Nicoletta Lanese published

In an early animal test, a new nasal-spray vaccine has shown promise against a variety of germs and a common allergen, scientists report.

2 Comments
Medicine & Drugs

New tech allows parents to 'score' IVF embryos for desirable traits — and it's in desperate need of regulation

By Sam Trejo, Daphne O. Martschenko published

Opinion Companies now offer polygenic embryo selection to prospective parents undergoing IVF. But the technology is dangerously underregulated.

7 Comments
Opinion
Two women are resting between exercises while sitting on a park bench outside and looking at their fitness trackers

Best fitness trackers for beginners 2025: From Apple Watch to Garmin Forerunner 165

By Lloyd Coombes last updated

Buying guides These are the best beginner-friendly fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Apple Watch and Garmin Forerunner 165 to Amazfit Active

Buying guides
Our expert reviewer testing the workout features on the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch

Best fitness trackers 2026: From smart rings to multisport GPS watches

By Andrew Williams, Anna Gora last updated

Buying Guide These are the best fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Amazfit Balance and Garmin Fenix 8 to Whoop MG.

Buying Guide
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 being worn by our reviewer

Best budget fitness trackers 2026: Cheap but mighty

By Maddy Biddulph, Anna Gora last updated

Buying Guide These are the best budget fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Fitbit Inspire 3 and Xiaomi Smart Band 9 to Garmin Forerunner 165.

Buying Guide
A picture of our reviewer's IQAir Atem Earth air purifier standing in the middle of a living room

We tested the 'first wooden, sustainable air purifier' and it's a thing of beauty

By Anna Gora published

Reviews The IQAir Atem Earth is the most elegant, eco-friendly air purifier we have ever tested, and we absolutely love it for that. It is by no means flawless, though.

Reviews

Diagnostic dilemma: 83-year-old man's unusual form of syphilis had an 'uncertain' source

By Sophie Berdugo published

A man went to the emergency room after being in and out of hospitals for a month, and doctors found a surprising explanation for his illness.

7 Comments
Viruses, Infections & Disease
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

By Sahana Sitaraman published

New research reveals that sleep deprivation sends aberrant signals through the vagus nerve, triggering a serotonin surge that can kill gut stem cells.

2 Comments
Sleep
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