National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: How to keep your senses sharp as you age; why melatonin may be giving you nightmares; the truth about "immune-boosting" supplements; the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics; the science behind fasting; new research into menopause.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SOPHIE CHIVET, AGENCE VU/REDUX

From vision to memory, our senses change as we age. Here's how to keep them sharp.

An aging brain becomes less able to perceive sensations, process information, create and store memories, and learn as some neurons die through normal aging or through disease or injury. But there are ways to maintain a healthy brain—through mental and physical exercise as well as medical treatments—that actually improve life in our late years.

HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR SENSES

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE: How to take better care of your aging brain +

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CAMERIQUE, CLASSICSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES

Drugs to reverse arthritis, or make our hearts young again? It's not sci-fi.

Scientists in California continuously infused the blood of young mice into old mice—and found that the old mice functioned as if they were young. What if something similar could be done in humans?

MICROGRAPH BY ALFRED PASIEKA, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

What's in melatonin—and is it giving you nightmares?

As many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults aren't getting the amount of sleep they need—and 6 million of them are turning to melatonin supplements, sold over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores across the country. But the dosing in these popular over-the-counter sleep supplements can vary wildly from what’s printed on the label, which can result in side effects.

HOW TO USE IT SAFELY

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETE MULLER, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Can supplements really 'boost' your immune system?

Increasing your intake of zinc and vitamins C and D isn't a magic bullet. Here's what the science says about the most commonly touted interventions.

HERE'S THE TRUTH

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BIOTICS

PHOTOGRAPH BY GARO, PHANIE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics: What's the difference? These beneficial microbes and molecules are critical to our gut health—and could help treat everything from obesity to depression to sleep disorders. Here are some facts about what they are, how they help, and how much you should take.

The mighty microbiome:

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What does your kid eat? Their diets are crucial for their gut health—and their development

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Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a puzzle. Your gut microbiome may have the key.

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Microbes in your gut may be new recruits in the fight against viruses

IS FASTING REALLY GOOD FOR YOU?

PHOTOGRAPH BY JASPER DOEST

It's a popular practice, and research shows it has real health benefits. A new diet that tricks your body into thinking it's fasting may have similar benefits—from improving learning and memory, delaying cognitive decline, and improving the efficacy of cancer treatment.

WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS

HEALTH NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

PHOTOGRAPH BY ELIZABETH DALZIEL

What happens during menopause? Science is finally piecing it together: All women who reach their 50s inevitably pass through menopause, yet much of what is known about it comes from a study following just 3,000 women since 1994. But now, recent research and discoveries are leading to new, non-hormonal, targeted therapies.

HOW TO COPE DURING MENOPAUSE

IT IS POSSIBLE TO CURE HOT FLASHES? We may be getting closer. +

Is tap water safe to drink? Here’s what you really need to know.

Colon cancer is rising among young adults. Here are signs to watch for.

Weight-shaming frequently backfires. Why do doctors and families do it?

Can we delay death with tech? These advances hold promise.

Are you a 'lark' or an 'owl'? Your body clock holds the answer.

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