Stories by Fonda Mwangi

Valentine’s Day often focuses on romance, but deep friendships deserve love, too. Here’s why they matter.

In this week’s roundup, we’re reviewing some animal research, the latest on bird flu and the burden of microplastics on our brain.

Researchers in the U.S. are grappling with Trump administration executive orders around health and science agency funding and communications.

Outrage fatigue can wear us down—but we can take care of ourselves in an onslaught of overwhelming news.

Giving in to cynicism makes us less trusting, less connected, and even less physically and mentally healthy.

From space weather to science missions, there’s a lot to be excited about in heliophysics this year.

A rundown on what’s at stake for global health if the U.S. withdraws from the World Health Organization and an update on bird flu are in this week’s science news roundup.

The founder of Adventure Scientists explains how community science is the ultimate civic engagement

A U.S. federal court struck down the FCC’s enforcement of net neutrality. What does that mean for Internet users?

We discuss a big week for commercial spaceflight, a red dye ban and a scary spider species in this news roundup.

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

The U.S. government lost control of the bird flu because of a sluggish response and deference to industry.

In this week’s news rundown, norovirus cases are up, a bird flu death is reported and Los Angeles has experienced devastating fires.

Pluto was unseated as the ninth planet in our solar system. Will we find a real Planet Nine?

Nature can affect our nervous system and diversify our microbiome—and you don’t need to go on a hike to reap the benefits.

We’re closing out the year with a roundup of the science stories that stood out to our editors in 2024.

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

A mysterious outbreak occurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and researchers find evidence that exposure to leaded gasoline was linked to increases in mental illness. Plus, we discuss orcas wearing salmon as hats.

Underdiagnosed iron deficiency and anemia could be leaving people without affordable fixes for their concerns.

“America’s Doctor” says that our common enemy is the danger posed by viruses, not each other.

Holiday deals are designed to be irresistible. A consumer psychologist explains how to avoid overconsumption and shop sustainably.

RFK, Jr., could restructure the CDC, FDA and NIH in pursuit of his flawed vision of public health. Plus, we discuss chimpanzees at play and the first-ever close-up image of a star.

Social psychologists could turn artificial-intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT on to writings from past cultures. Will this help us study ancient civilizations?

A study of births in New Jersey reveals a troubling disparity between unscheduled C-sections for Black people.