Scientists find a simple way to stop cavities without drilling

Untreated cavities send thousands of young children in the United States to emergency departments each year. Because hospital doctors usually cannot repair the underlying dental problem, some children continue to suffer from pain and infection, while others eventually need surgery under general anesthesia. A low-cost liquid known as silver diamine…

Your gut may help your brain decide what to remember

The taste of a madeleine famously sent French writer Marcel Proust back into vivid memories of childhood. New research suggests that this kind of recollection may involve more than the brain alone. Signals from the digestive system may also help determine which food-related experiences become memories. The study, led by…

Why are so many dead bumblebees appearing on sidewalks?

You may be spotting bodies of dead bumblebees lying across pavements near you in the summer months. There are several reasons for this, some to do with the weather and some very much due to humans. Bumblebees are social, living in colonies that are maintained by very active workers with…

A tiny molecular basket unlocks a powerful new kind of chemistry

Iron and oxygen interact in many important processes throughout the human body. The best-known example is hemoglobin, where iron binds dioxygen, meaning two oxygen atoms joined together, so oxygen can be carried through the bloodstream. Iron also forms highly reactive compounds known as iron oxos. These compounds are involved in…

New microwave frying method could make french fries much healthier

French fries and other fried foods are popular largely because of their crisp texture and rich flavor. However, they can absorb large amounts of oil during cooking, increasing their fat and calorie content. Regularly consuming foods high in fat can contribute to health problems such as obesity and hypertension. Researchers…