Findings
Insights, discoveries, and analysis from Harvard scholars and scientists.
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Science & Tech
Blue, green, gold: Why eyes of wild cats vary in color
Study traces iris diversity to gray-eyed ancestor
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Health
Falls put older adults at increased risk of Alzheimer’s
Researchers found dementia more frequently diagnosed within one year of a fall, compared to other types of injuries
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Health
‘Weekend warriors’ can cut risk of 264 diseases
Concentrated routines just as effective as regular weekly exercise in protecting against heart, digestive conditions as well as neurological illnesses
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Science & Tech
An idea with legs
Research suggests the scuttling sea robin may serve as evolutionary model for trait development, including in humans
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Health
Using AI to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of rare diseases
Identifies possible therapies for thousands of diseases, including ones with no current treatments
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Science & Tech
So why does Mr. Whiskers meow?
It may not be for the reasons you think, says evolutionary biologist, whose new book explores how our feline friends came to be
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The answer to your search may depend on where you live
Researchers find ‘language bias’ in various site algorithms, raising concerns about fallout for social divisions among nations
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You won’t even know you’re exercising, but your body will
Real surfing is better than channel surfing, says research focused on healthy aging. But housework is better than nothing.
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What’s another word for ‘neuronal map-maker’?
Researchers discover microscopic ‘brain thesaurus’ that lets neurons derive meaning from spoken words
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Alzheimer’s study finds diet, lifestyle changes yield improvements
Can diet and lifestyle reverse early Alzheimer’s? A pilot study raises hopes.
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There’s much to be grateful for in giving thanks
Elderly may harvest benefits from the attitude alone
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Could high office-vacancy rates damage economy this year?
Kenneth Rogoff sees tough road for some banks as surge of real estate loans come due by 2025, but doesn’t expect wider meltdown
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Stroke risk higher for the chronically lonely
Study of adults over 50 examines how feelings boost threat over time
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Americans hate inflation, full stop
No traction for more positive economic developments, research says
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History of Chichén Itzá written in DNA
Research using new method upends narrative on ritual sacrifices, yields discovery on resistance built to colonial-era epidemics
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Does AI help humans make better decisions?
One judge’s track record — with and without algorithm — surprises researchers
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DNR orders for Down syndrome patients far exceeded pandemic norm
Co-author sees need for additional research and earlier, deeper conversations around care
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Tracking entwined histories of malaria, humans
New study of ancient genomes tracks disease over 5,500 years, factors in spread, including trade, warfare, colonialism, and slavery
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Researchers reverse hair loss caused by alopecia
Treatment holds promise for painlessly targeting affected areas without weakening immune system
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Binge eating appears more widespread, persistent than thought
New research takes broader, deeper look at common, but poorly understood, disorder
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Want to make robots more agile? Take a lesson from a rat.
Scientists create realistic virtual rodent with digital neural network to study how brain controls complex, coordinated movement
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Alzheimer’s disease indicators track with biological changes in brain, study finds
Researchers see self-reported memory loss may be early, preclinical warning
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More than a planetary fender-bender
New study finds Earth collided with dense interstellar cloud, possibly affecting life on planet
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Bringing back a long extinct bird
Scientists sequence complete genome of bush moa, offering insights into its natural history, possible clues to evolution of flightless birds
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Women who follow Mediterranean diet live longer
Large study shows benefits against cancer, cardiovascular mortality, also identifies likely biological drivers of better health
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Harvard-led study IDs statin that may block pathway to some cancers
Cholesterol-lowering drug suppresses chronic inflammation that creates dangerous cascade
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One way to help big groups of students? Volunteer tutors.
Research finds low-cost, online program yields significant results
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Had a bad experience meditating? You’re not alone.
Altered states of consciousness through yoga, mindfulness more common than thought and mostly beneficial, study finds — though clinicians ill-equipped to help those who struggle
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Rethinking life-support decisions
Of the survivors within one study group, more than 40% recovered at least some independence.
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Everything counts!
New study finds step-count and time are equally valid in reducing health risks
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Glimpse of next-generation internet
Physicists demo first metro-area quantum computer network in Boston
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Science is making anti-aging progress. But do we want to live forever?
Nobel laureate details new book, which surveys research, touches on larger philosophical questions
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More educated communities tend to be healthier. Why? Culture.
New study finds places with more college graduates tend to develop better lifestyle habits overall
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Got milk? Does it give you problems?
Biomolecular archaeologist looks at why most of world’s population has trouble digesting beverage that helped shape civilization
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Epic science inside a cubic millimeter of brain
Researchers publish largest-ever dataset of neural connections
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Excited about new diet drug? This procedure seems better choice.
Study finds minimally invasive treatment more cost-effective over time, brings greater weight loss