Holy horseradish! Ancient roots of pain

Calling all clams! The ancient roots of chemical pain receptors

Horseradish, onions and caffeine all activate a group of chemical receptors that can trigger a pain signal. Turns out the same receptors exist in fruitflies, mussels, corals and mule deer. Why has this receptor survived a half-billion years? Because it protects against toxic chemicals - even if they taste good in small doses! More »

Video surveillance: Who is watching you?

London pioneered video surveillance in public, but it's catching on fast. Many major cities have systems, and more are coming. What do these cameras learn? How do they interact with other sources of data? In this culture of disclosure should we even worry about privacy? More »

Poverty: Changing the body, changing the brain

Being poor can have long-term biological impact!

Neglect, stress and abuse are all more common among the poor. New studies show that these factors can cause long-term changes in learning, brains and behavior, and suggest how to prevent damage in the vulnerable years. Could treating depressed mothers promote healthy interactions with their kids? More »

How a fly detects a poison

New sensory route found!

Animals spend a lot of energy avoiding toxic chemicals in their food. A new type of gene that does this in fruit flies reinforces the importance of reproduction in shaping evolution. More »