Here's a puzzle: A child pees in the shallow end of a pool and then swims to the deep end. Which end should you avoid? Conventional wisdom holds that the deep end would be safe (until the pool's normal circulation mixed the contaminated water throughout). But according to new research--and old observations by Charles Darwin, the grandson of the more famous Charles Darwin--it would be wise to avoid most of the child's path through the water. [More]

A year ago, researchers reported that fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received an actual diagnosis of bipolar disorder after using a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview tool -- the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. In this follow-up study, the researchers have determined the actual diagnoses of those patients.

A compound from honeybees known as propolis, the substance bees use to seal their hives, may protect against heat stress in athletes, according to a new article.

Childhood adversities have a predictive role in peptic ulcer, according to new research. The most common adversities were long-lasting financial difficulties in the family, serious conflicts in the family, and a family member seriously or chronically ill. Age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios of childhood adversities varied between 1.45 and 2.01. Adjusting for smoking, heavy drinking, stress and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use had no further influence.

Freshly crushed garlic has more potent heart-healthy effects than dried garlic, according to a new study. The research also challenges the widespread belief that most of garlic's benefits are due to its rich array of antioxidants.

Astronomers offer an explanation for the origin of dwarf spheroidal galaxies. The research may settle an outstanding puzzle in understanding galaxy formation.

Scientists have discovered a novel way to turn on stem cell genes in human skin cells without the risks associated with inserting genes or using viruses, opening a new avenue for reprogramming cells that could lead to treatments for a range of diseases and injuries.

Dear EarthTalk: If train travel is so much less polluting than driving or flying, why are passenger rail options in the U.S. so limited compared to Europe? And is anything being done to shift more travelers over to American rail lines from cars and planes? -- Jeffrey Orenstein, Bradenton, Fla.

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A new system that can tell when you are yawning and could prevent road traffic accidents.

Scientists have found the size of this year's Gulf of Mexico dead zone to be smaller than forecasted, measuring 3,000 square miles. However the dead zone, which is usually limited to water just above the sea floor, was severe where it did occur, extending closer to the water surface then in most years.