Across the globe, scientists are delving into the biology of a rare condition that seems to hold unique clues about how human sociability evolved. Williams Syndrome (WS), a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 7,500 people worldwide, is marked by an extraordinary degree of friendliness, emotional warmth, and trust in
Mariangela Hungria, a microbiologist from Brazil, has spent decades digging into the soil in search of microscopic allies—bacteria that can nourish crops and help farmers increase their yields. For years, her quest was met with disbelief. “At the beginning of my career, people kept telling me, ‘You’re wasting your time!
The Gates Foundation has announced a sweeping new strategy: it will allocate over $200 billion over the next two decades and officially conclude its work by 2045. This plan includes distributing nearly the entirety of Bill Gates’ personal fortune, drastically accelerating his philanthropic timeline. Originally, the foundation was set to
Our modern love affair with sugar can be traced back to the 7th and 8th centuries in the Arab world. In Baghdad, newly established as a cultural and culinary center, locals indulged in syrup-drenched pastries, sherbets, and candies made with honey or sugar — setting in motion a craving that
An estimated 17 million people worldwide live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, yet they can do little to fight this debilitating condition. Now, patients are raising their voices in search of recognition and support. Those living with ME/CFS, or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, experience relentless exhaustion and often cannot lead normal
There are many reasons to learn a new language: love, work, personal interest in a culture or its people. But beyond these motivations, scientific research shows that language learning also benefits overall brain health—it essentially works like mental exercise. But what actually happens in the brain when we acquire a
Providing food to the world’s most vulnerable populations is about to become significantly more difficult for the United Nations World Food Programme, the planet’s largest international agency dedicated to fighting hunger. In 2024, the organization reached more than 100 million people in need. Just five years earlier, the WFP was
A growing number of American adults with mental health conditions are turning to psychotherapy, while reliance on psychiatric medications alone is showing a notable decline, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The findings suggest a meaningful shift in how outpatient mental health care is
People who frequently consume ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may face a higher risk of premature death, according to a recent multi-country analysis that included the United Kingdom, the United States, and six other nations. This large-scale research has intensified global concern over the widespread and growing presence of UPFs in modern
A growing number of older adults in the United States want to know if they are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and many would be willing to take a blood test to find out, according to a national survey. The poll, which is part of a report by the
A niche sport that found its defining moment For decades, soccer was widely considered a marginal sport in the United States, overshadowed by American football, baseball, and basketball. That perception began to shift dramatically with the arrival of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The tournament opened with a powerful signal
High-Level U.S. and Colombian Leaders Convene to Economic Cooperation BOGOTÁ, Colombia — April 29, 2026 — In a significant demonstration of strengthening economic and industrial ties between the United States and Colombia, leading executives, diplomats, and representatives of American enterprise gathered during the General Assembly of the Colombian-American Enterprises Council
Public health officials across several countries are intensifying efforts to track and monitor passengers connected to a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Honius cruise ship. This follows after dozens of travelers dispersed internationally before the illness was identified. In light of this situation, hantavirus contact tracing has become a