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YOUR WEEKLY CHECKUP

This week: A new study reveals how cancer cells awaken at night; the super-contagious variant that's also highly resistant to vaccines; the surprising prevalence and long-term effects of fetal alcohol disorders; why Neanderthals may be to blame for your arthritis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN OEGGERLI

Breast cancer spreads more aggressively during sleep

A new study of breast cancer patients reveals that cancer cells take advantage of the hormonal changes that happen during sleep. "When the patient is asleep, the tumor awakens," says the oncologist who led the study. The new research also provides insights into biological mechanisms that allow cancer to spread—and that time of day could play a role in diagnosis and treatment.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

DETECTION: Innovative new blood tests could detect cancers before you have symptoms +

TREATMENT: New cancer treatments may be on the horizon—thanks to mRNA vaccines +

LIVING ART ENTERPRISES, LLC/SCIENCE SOURCE

The overlooked toll of drinking alcohol while pregnant

Studies have estimated that fetal alcohol spectrum disorders affect up to 5 percent of people in the U.S., though experts suspect the prevalence is even higher. In addition to every-day challenges, many of these individuals are at risk of becoming tangled in the criminal justice system as both victims and offenders. Here's how scientists and activists are working toward better diagnoses and treatments.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE MCNALLY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ FROM THE ARCHIVES‌ ‌ ‌

Here's how Neanderthal genes affect your health

A genome from a female found in Croatia shows how a range of conditions— including schizophrenia, blood cholesterol levels, eating disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis—are influenced by our ancient human cousins.

SURPRISE! You may have more Neanderthal DNA than you think +

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

NG STAFF

BA.5 is super-contagious, and spreading rapidly

Both BA.5 and BA.4 are four times more resistant to COVID-19 vaccines and are more likely to cause breakthrough infections.

TRACKING COVID IN THE U.S.

Is BA.5 the 'reinfection wave'? (The Atlantic)

How Novavax is different from other coronavirus vaccines (Washington Post)

How the pandemic screwed up our antibiotics (Vox)

Should you get a second COVID booster now, or wait for updated shots?

MORE HEALTH NEWS

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID MCNEW, GETTY IMAGES

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ FROM THE ARCHIVES‌ ‌ ‌

Why 'BPA free' may not mean a plastic product is safe

Alternatives to the now infamous compound keep popping up. But researchers aren't convinced they're any better for us.

DIFFERENT BUT NOT BETTER

RELATED: Exposed to extreme heat, plastic bottles may ultimately become unsafe +

You won't live longer by diet or exercise alone, study says (New York Times)

 Men lose Y chromosomes as they age. It may be harming their hearts (Science)

How contagious is monkeypox—and should you get a vaccine? Here's the latest.

Over-the-counter birth control pills are available worldwide. The U.S. may be next (NPR)

American health was declining before COVID-19. Now it's worse (Healthline)

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