What can trigger an itch? Scientists have found a new culprit This itchy microbe really touches a nerve. A common skin bacterium can directly interact with a nerve cell to trigger an itch, new study shows, suggesting possible new therapies for itchy conditions. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Another Ozempic side effect? Facing the holidays with no appetite Weight-loss medications tamp down hunger — often dramatically — causing some people to lose the pleasure of communing over food at a festive family meal. Yuki Noguchi
Trump, 77, issues letter lauding his health and weight loss on Biden's 81st birthday The report, signed by Trump's personal physician, says the GOP frontrunner has lost weight. But it didn't say whether he weighs the same as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, as Trump has claimed. Emily Olson
COVID is still around and there are precautions to take over the holidays As the country enters its fourth holiday season with COVID-19, experts offer advice about how Americans should navigate the risks, and what precautions still make sense. Will Stone
A fan died of heat at a Taylor Swift concert. It's a rising risk with climate change The concert in Rio de Janeiro took place during one of the worst heat waves ever in Brazil. The country is in the middle of a record-breaking six months of extreme weather. Alejandra Borunda
Close friends can help you live longer but they can spread some bad habits too Don't skip Friendsgiving. A large new study confirms that close friendships are vital to our health. But BFFs tend to share certain vices, too. Maggie Mertens
A new study says the global toll of lead exposure is even worse than we thought A new study finds that 5.5 million adults worldwide died in 2019 from cardiovascular disease attributable to lead exposure, more than six times higher than a previous estimate. Nicole Estvanik Taylor
The U.S. has a controversial plan to store carbon dioxide under the nation's forests A proposed rule change from the US Forest Service would allow storage of carbon dioxide pollution under national forests. The plan comes as communities resist such projects in their areas Julia Simon
FDA warns against eating recalled cantaloupe over salmonella risk At least 17 people in more than a dozen states were hospitalized with salmonella poisoning linked to recalled whole and pre-cut fruit. The recalled products were sold in the U.S. and Canada. Emma Bowman
Some doctors have stopped recommending weight loss. Here's why In an attempt to curb misdiagnosis or health care avoidance, some providers are encouraging overweight patients to exercise and eat healthily without addressing weight at all. Other medical professionals think it's important to talk about. Eilis O'Neill/KUOW