National Geographic News - Health

Big Brains Arose Separately in Multiple Primate Groups

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The trend toward larger brains relative to body size developed independently in isolated groups of primates, according to a new fossil analysis.

VIDEO: Sand Swallowing China City

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The "singing" sands of Dunhuang are no longer music to the ears of city residents, who face disappearing rivers, buried farms, dust-choked homes, and other ills.

VIDEO: "Annoying" Bird Mimics Sirens

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Having mastered some of the world's most grating sounds—sirens, cell phone ringtones—a blackbird is irritating Britons with its powers of mimicry.

Stinging Wasps Moving North Due to Warming?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The number of people seeking treatment for stings has been increasing in Alaska, especially in regions farther north than where insects such as wasps are common, a new report says.

India Keeps Homegrown Rice to Feed Its Hungry Millions

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Food prices are creating a vexing dilemma in India, which is trying to cement its status as a rising economic power even as it remains home to half the world's hungry. Part of Global Food Crisis: A Special News Series.

Brain Region for Overcoming Fear, Anxiety Found

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Certain brain cells likely control memories that help animals learn not to be afraid, a finding that could lead to new drugs for anxiety disorders, experts say.

Brain's "Core" Revealed by First Hi-Res Wiring Map

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A dense and highly interconnected structure inside the human brain seems to play a vital role in communication within and between the hemispheres, a new study says.

VIDEO: Aussie Platypuses Suffer Illness

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Australian scientists are conducting field studies to track a fungal infection that has been killing Tasmanian platypuses for more than 25 years.

VIDEO: Toads Poisoning "Medical" Snakes

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Milked for antivenom, Australia's king brown snakes are eating poisonous cane toads—alien amphibians that are overrunning the country.

VIDEO: Robo-Toilets Take Japan

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Equipped with buttons, gadgets, and widgets, Japan's hi-tech toilets can baffle the uninitiated.