The common food additives altered mice microbiomes to encourage gut inflammation and overeating. Dina Fine Maron reports

National Park Service researchers recorded ambient sound from all over the country to find out where there’s still stillness. David Biello reports

Although clinical guidelines assume just two years for hot flashes and night sweats, a large study finds a median symptom duration of more than three times that length. Dina Fine Maron reports 

Life thrives even deep inside Earth and scientists are beginning to suspect extensive connections among those underground environments. David Biello reports

High-tech pedometers do a decent job of counting steps accurately. Dina Fine Maron reports.

The long-term winter warming of Russia’s far north has gotten a boost from industrialization. David Biello reports

The biggest single source of global warming pollution actually started to shrink in 2014. David Biello reports

Some 42 percent of U.S. adults who drink have been prescribed a drug that may interact negatively with alcohol. Dina Fine Maron reports

The value of recycling depends on the material in question and whether all hidden costs and benefits go into the analysis. David Biello reports

Desire for gold has made mining in tropical forests financially worthwhile, leading to ecosystem destruction. Cynthia Graber reports