Surprising Science

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a successful, albeit disgusting way to cure gastrointestinal diseases. It is also being tested to treat other illnesses. FMT helps replace beneficial gut bacteria whose numbers have been reduced in the microbiome of the human colon.  

A new study identifies key dietary factors that lead to healthy microbes in your gut.

One psychologist’s quest to figure out one incredibly icky word

A new report says errors by medical personnel are the third leading cause of deaths in the U.S.

Though your chronological age records the passage of time, your biological age records what’s happening inside you.

You know how, when you cook one of your favorite meals, humans express their satisfaction with “Mmmm” and, “Lovely!” and other vocalizations? Turns out, gorillas do something like that, too.

Star-crossed lovers is one thing. But what if you are allergic to your significant other’s saliva or other bodily fluids?   

A small animal shuts down CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest scientific instrument, right before an experiment to detect new particles.

There’s been a lot of talk among Republican candidates Ted Cruz and Donald Trump about completing the United States-Mexico border fence. But completing the wall has consequences outside of human politics.

It is opening the gates.

What’s going on in your gut is affecting your emotions and mental outlook. 

When was the last time anyone cared about an Artic research ship? Exactly. 

A new security technology identifies people by the sound of their skulls.

Broad Minded Affective Coping technique is one of many tools for coping with low mood. Affirmations and mindfulness help too.

Scientists can see a spark at fertilization that has serious implications for in vitro.

Move over, Middle Ages. Everyone’s favorite bloodsucking worms—leeches—are making a comeback. These have been used in the medical practice for two millennia, if not more. 

Cats’ craziness is leftover instinctual behavior from living in the wild.

Homo sapiens would have carried tropical diseases with them out of Africa, infecting Neanderthals and speeding up their annihilation.

Scientists at University of California, Irving stumble across the secret to long-lasting rechargeable batteries.

Why you might want to find ways to get more greenery onto your block.

Climate Feedback has been busy correcting reporting on climate change inaccuracies within the mainstream media. Now the site is looking to expand its efforts as a watchdog for scientific reporting by asking for funding through IndieGoGo.

Mariah Walton faces a double lung and heart transplant because her parents chose faith healing over medical treatment when she was born.

Scientists have been able to render echolocation data to show what a dolphin sees.

The asteroid that hit the now-Yucatan Peninsula allowed the dinosaurs a more memorable end, but they were already doomed says a study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Not all organs are from reputable sources. There is a worldwide market, and many are obtained in some pretty shady ways.  

Some parents are diagnosing their attention-deficient children as heavenly beings thanks to Internet blogs.

Your future medication may be grown inside a goat. 

Flesh-eating West African Nile monitors have invaded Florida, presumably thanks to careless pet owners.

Penguins in Antarctica are changing their migration patterns. Scientists aren’t sure why — and they need your help to figure it out. And you can do it from the comfort of your home. 

Scientists discover that a hidden underground network of fungi allows carbon to go from one tree to another.