For years, kratom has lived in a legal gray area. Some see it as risky, others as helpful. Now, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) just gave it a big thumbs-up by approving research into its potential for treating opioid addiction. This isn’t just another study—it’s a signal that scientists thi
The head of a major U. S. science organization recently warned that America’s research powerhouse is running on empty. After a year of chaotic changes in science funding and leadership, many experts feel uncertain about the future. Large numbers of skilled researchers have left the country, while th
When protein levels drop, the gut doesn’t wait for permission—it picks up the phone and calls the brain directly. Scientists recently uncovered a two-lane highway linking the stomach and brain that flips cravings from sugar to protein without delay. In fruit flies, the gut releases a hormone-like si
Living in a city often means trading green spaces for concrete. Many people feel stressed but don’t link it to their surroundings. Scientists now say nature can help reset our brains, even in small doses. Research shows our brains react differently when surrounded by trees or plants compared to buil
The United Nations is weighing how to keep a stabilizing force in Lebanon once the current peacekeeping mission ends. Recent months have seen rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, making outside monitoring more urgent. The UN’s top leader recently shared three draft plans to replace the c
Health officials in Congo have adjusted their Ebola case numbers after tests showed many sick people didn’t actually have the virus. The count dropped from over 900 suspected cases to just 116, with 321 confirmed infections and 48 deaths. Some patients had fevers or other infections that looked like
One gymnast has decided to step back into the spotlight after walking away from the sport. Her return isn’t about winning medals—it’s about raising funds for two different charities. The athlete, who spent years training for the Olympics, had stepped back from gymnastics earlier. Now, she’s using he
Health checks for the president aren’t unusual, but the sheer number Trump undergoes looks odd. At 79, he’s had four since returning to office—more than most leaders his age. His latest report called him “excellent health, ” yet it left out key details, making people wonder what’s really being hidde
Minnie Bruce Pratt left a lasting mark on literature and social movements from 1946 until her passing in 2023. Though often remembered for her writing, her influence stretched further—into classrooms, activist circles, and public discussions about identity and justice. A special collection of work r
June in the Bay Area means more than just sunny days and outdoor BBQs—it’s a month packed with writers sharing their latest works. From cookbooks by Indigenous chefs to memoirs by tech entrepreneurs and even a book about butterflies, there’s something for every reader. Some events dive deep into per
