In early October of 2019, at-home genetic test service 23andMe informed users of its updated Ancestry Composition reports. This adjustment followed feedback discussing how much data 23andMe pulls from which areas. It also comes from feedback concerning the representation of which ethnic groups their reports cover. …

Experiencing sleep is relatively simple, without much thought required behind it. A mindful meal free of caffeine and sugar, avoidance of electronics, and a darkened environment provide the ingredients for a peaceful and restful slumber. The science of sleep, however, is more involved. Why humans sleep has been the subject…

Originally published May 16, 2019 Carriers of the disease sickle cell anemia may see a long term source of relief on the horizon. …

Changes in the environment have reached levels that create noticeable and negative impacts around the globe. The threat of melting ice elevating sea levels, droughts and heightened temperatures leading to famine, and the like have led to intervention attempts on multiple levels. Regulations on companies that leave a carbon footprint…

For young orphans and adoptees, distance from their culture can mean divorce from their culture and the adoptee must build their own oasis in an environment ready to tear it down. — “What are you?” Ravkan, Shu. Grisha, soldier. Saint, orphan. Mapmaker, friend. Alina Starkov has had many labels bestowed upon her in her young life, all trying to answer the question everyone poses to her, “what are you?”

I was in college when first I heard complaints against students receiving accommodations. Those complaints came primarily from other students. In a moment of empathy, I imagined myself in their place, seeing some handful of people granted extra time, a quiet room, different equipment, and all other matter of what…

Established in 1999, Jaslyk (“youth”) Prison passes itself off nominally as a youth camp. But reports from inmates of Jaslyk reveal it to be a place of torture. It is this notorious facility that Uzbekistan’s president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has ordered closed. …

The ability to smell provides many advantages. In addition to driving pleasure from pleasant fragrances, it adds multiple layers to any meals consumed. The taste buds along the tongue provide information on the food’s basic tastes, but the rest of the unique flavors are experienced through the involvement of smell…

On Monday, December 2, 2019, revered author of Russian history Robert K. Massie passed away at his home in Irvington, Kentucky. He was 90 years old and died due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease, according to his wife and literary agent, Deborah Karl. Robert Kinloch Massie III was born in…