the conversation

Social media can sometimes damage the self-esteem of teen girls. stock-eye/iStock via Getty Images PlusIt’s a well-established fact that children’s and teens’ mental health took a hit during the pandemic. But new research…

An illustration of a human liver with cirrhosis. Kateryna Kon/Science Photo LibraryVinyl chloride – the chemical in several of the train cars that derailed and burned in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023 – can wreak…

Whenever a school shooting takes place, school officials often arrange for grief counseling services to be made available for whoever needs them. But what exactly do those services entail?To answer that question, The…

Glyphosate, an herbicide used in products like Roundup, was classified by the IARC as carcinogenic to humans in 2015. Adriana Duduleanu/EyeEm via Getty ImagesPeople are exposed to numerous chemicals throughout their…

Surprisingly, even packaged foods that contain healthy components can qualify as ultra-processed. Jamie Grill Photography/Tetra Images via Getty ImagesScientists have known for years that unhealthy diets – particularly…

Throughout much of recorded human history, China has boasted the largest population in the world – and until recently, by some margin.So news that the Chinese population is now in decline, and will sometime later this year…

For some skin conditions, keeping hydrated is key. Yuliya Shevtsova/EyeEm via Getty ImagesIn many parts of the U.S., the winter months bring frigid temperatures and drier conditions that can wreak havoc on the skin.The…

Each January, Americans collectively atone for yet another celebratory season of indulgence. Some proclaim sobriety for “Dry January.” Others use the dawn of a new year to focus on other forms of self-improvement, like…

The new year is traditionally a time when many people feel a renewed commitment to create healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, drinking more water or eating more healthfully.It turns out that when it comes to…

Many people look to diet trends or new exercise regimens – often with questionable benefit – to get a healthier start on the new year. But there is one strategy that’s been shown time and again to boost both mood and…