What the evolution of tickling tells us about being human

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea, is increasingly developing resistance to existing antibiotics, prompting the need for new treatment options. A new antibiotic named zoliflodacin has emerged as a potential solution to combat this growing issue.

Research indicates that rats will utilize cannabis when available as a means to cope with stress, paralleling the human response to cortisol with the rodent hormone corticosterone.

Urban populations in southern Britain experienced a significant decline in health that persisted for generations following the arrival of the Romans. This deterioration in health is attributed to the changes brought about by Roman occupation, which had lasting effects on the local populace.

In 2025, comets captured significant attention as they displayed dazzling phenomena, including racing toward the sun and changing colors, which were widely reported in various scientific news outlets. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein highlighted these events in her column, emphasizing their impact on public interest in astronomy and science.

Three thought experiments involving imaginary demons have challenged the fundamental laws of physics for centuries, prompting ongoing debates about their implications for scientific understanding. These demons, which manipulate thermodynamic principles, raise questions about the nature of entropy and information in physical systems.

A recent study involving over 34,000 participants has provided new insights into the composition of a healthy gut microbiome, revealing specific bacteria that contribute positively to overall health. This research marks a significant advancement in understanding the gut's role in human well-being.

Physicists are proposing imaginative experiments, including a particle smasher encircling the moon and an 'impossible' laser, to explore the boundaries of scientific inquiry. These ideas reflect a desire to push the limits of current technology and understanding in physics.

A recent laboratory study has demonstrated the effectiveness of a genetic technology known as gene drive, which aims to make mosquitoes resistant to malaria. This breakthrough could significantly advance efforts to combat malaria, a disease that continues to pose a major public health challenge worldwide.