National Geographic News - Health

Crime-Fighting Leech Fingers Perp

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Police in Australia say a blood-engorged leech, through DNA testing, led them to a man responsible for the robbery eight years ago of a 71-year-old woman.Video

Googling Fights Dementia, Study Suggests

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Using search engines may help stave off dementia and memory loss among older people, according to a new report. During the study, key areas of Web newbies' brains were activated after regular Googling.

Swine Flu in Swine: Flu Could Worsen; Industry at Risk

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

It's only a matter of time before swine flu jumps to U.S. pigs, experts say. Scientists say H1N1 could strengthen while in the animals, while farmers—already battered by the perception that pork is unsafe—fear even worse sales.

Better Smellers are More Sympathetic, Study Says

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

People with sharper senses of smell really have a nose for relating to others' emotions, new research suggests.

Swine Flu Rates Up to 5 Times Higher for Native Groups

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Today's announcement that U.S. swine flu deaths among children are "shooting up" is generating headlines. Meanwhile swine flu is infecting another group up to five times more often than the general public, advocates say.

VIDEO: Sea "Mucus" Blobs Pose Threat

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Giant, jelly-like sheets of dead and living organic matter, known as marine mucilages, are spreading throughout the Mediterranean. The blobs may smother marine life and carry diseases dangerous to humans.

Past Nobel Superstars

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Since 1901, the world's most prestigious award has recognized a range of pioneers and luminaries, from Albert Einstein to Al Gore.Video

Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded for Cracking DNA Puzzle

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Nobel Prize in medicine or physiology has been awarded to three scientists at American universities who are unraveling how the body protects chromosomes—the carrier of the genetic code for life, the Nobel Prize jury announced today.

Cheetahs to Inspire Better Artificial Legs?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Don't look for seeing-eye cheetahs anytime soon, but the big cats may help disabled people in another way—by inspiring better artificial legs. Video.

Human Pee With Ash Is a Natural Fertilizer, Study Says

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Want a gorgeous garden? Just add pee, according to a new study that says nitrogen-rich urine and magnesium-rich ash work together to form a powerful—and cheap—fertilizer.