news explainers
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FDA approves ketamine-like nasal spray for depression — here's everything you need to knowA nasal spray that contains esketamine — a potent derivative of ketamine — can now be taken on its own to treat adults with severe depression, the FDA says. Here's what that means.
By Emily Cooke Published
medicine-drugs -
What are Zyn nicotine pouches? And are they bad for you?The FDA has given marketing authorization to Zyn nicotine pouches. That doesn't necessarily mean they're safe to use, especially for young people, and experts say there's little evidence that they help adults quit smoking.
By Emily Cooke Published
medicine-drugs -
Why do we add fluoride to drinking water, and is it safe?Fluoride is added to tap water in many countries around the world. But why?
By Marilyn Perkins Last updated
health -
'Mystery disease' in Congo turned out to be malaria — and potentially, another diseaseAn initially "unknown" illness affecting hundreds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may be attributable to malaria, malnutrition and a viral infection. But investigations are ongoing.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
viruses-infections-disease -
The position of the magnetic north pole is officially changing. Why?The updated version of the World Magnetic Model was released on Dec. 17, with a new prediction of how the magnetic north pole will shift over the next five years. Here's why it was changed.
By Skyler Ware Published
planet-earth -
How to avoid bird fluThe vast majority of human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. have resulted from direct contact with animals, so a few simple precautions can keep most people's risk very low.
By Stephanie Pappas Published
flu -
What is DANA, the strange weather phenomenon that has caused deadly flooding in Spain?With record-high Mediterranean temperatures and a year's worth of rain falling in mere hours, Spain has been devastated by the weather phenomenon known as DANA.
By María de los Ángeles Orfila Published
weather -
Europa Clipper: What's next for NASA's biggest-ever interplanetary spacecraft?NASA just launched a spacecraft the size of a basketball court towards Jupiter's moon Europa. Here's what will happen over the next 10 years.
By James Price Published
space-exploration -
Why NASA is sending the Europa Clipper to search for aliens near JupiterIn the coming weeks, NASA's Europa Clipper will take off on a long journey to Jupiter's moon Europa. The icy moon could potentially host alien life — and there's only one way to find out.
By James Lloyd Published
space-exploration
