Molly Fosco

author

Articles by Molly Fosco

Medicine

A New Opioid Drug Could Provide Pain Relief Without the Risk of Addiction

Researchers have developed an opioid compound that targets specific pain receptors in cells, but without producing the addictive qualities typical of currently available drugs.

Medicine

An Opioid Vaccine Developed by the US Military Could Combat Addiction

Life expectancy in the United States declined for the second year in a row due to an opioid epidemic, but a new vaccine shows promising results in mice and rats.

Behavior

A Zap to the Brain Could Head Off Impulsive Urges

In experiments on mice, Stanford University researchers found a “moment of weakness” that occurred in the brain just before binge eating — and a zap of electricity successfully prevented the mice from overeating.

Culture

Here's Why Having Many Toys Could Be a Problem for Children

As the holiday season gets into swing, behavioral science experts suggest that too many toys can negatively affect attention spans and creativity in kids.

Tech

An Unbiased Algorithm Could Help Put an End to Partisan Gerrymandering

Three psychology researchers have taken it upon themselves to solve the nationwide problem of partisan gerrymandering using a computer algorithm.

Animals

Here’s Where Bugs Are Likely to Live in Your Home

A study of home interiors found that the environment rather than residents’ lifestyles seems to determine where bugs are likely to thrive.

Conservation

These 10 Rivers Are Responsible for 90 Percent of the Plastic in the Oceans

As plastic in the world’s oceans continues to rise, researchers are pinpointing sources of pollution so that conservation efforts can stem the flow.

Medicine

Transfusions of Young Blood Yield Promising Results in Alzheimer’s Patients

A Stanford study found that patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s seemed to improve after getting plasma transfusions from young people.

Medicine

Women Are More Likely to Consider Sex and Gender in Disease Risk Studies

Medical studies authored by women are more likely to include an analysis of sex and gender effects than studies where women researchers didn't take part.

Medicine

New Discoveries Bring Hope to the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

Key insights into how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics could reverse the process and renew the efficacy of commonly prescribed medications.