BIOLOGY

René Descartes once described the pineal gland as “the principal seat of the soul.” Medical knowledge has vastly progressed since his time, though. Here’s what we know about this critical organ.

Up to 70 percent of people have experienced hypnic jerks, but they’re usually nothing to worry about.

From back injuries to difficult childbirth, here are six annoying parts of being human that you can blame on evolution.

“Fart walks” could be the answer to your gastrointestinal woes.

Barring some dramatic medical advancements, living into your eighties remains the best-case scenario.

Golden lettuce isn’t just pretty—it’s good for you, too.

Bathyphysa conifera, or the flying spaghetti monster, can grow several feet long.

A new study on tarantulas reveals surprising insights into their relationship with army ants.

Dr. Donald “Reef” Nelson dedicated his life to studying sharks and was part of the inspiration for Matt Hooper, Richard Dreyfuss’s character from 1975's “Jaws.”

The average body temperature isn't actually 98.6°F, a fact scientists have known for at least three decades. So why does this myth persist?

The alien-looking, bloodsucking fish have cells that may form the same rudimentary nervous system we have. 

At some point, whether during the day or at night, all birds need to sleep. How do they do it?