Experiencing fear and anxiety may not be pleasant, but both are important emotions that drive human evolution. Our brains react to threats, preparing our bodies for what might lay ahead, in a way we learned how to thousands of years ago. But what’s the science behind this inherent reaction and are there consequences?
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- Why do male gorillas beat their chests? New study offers intriguing evidenceWhy do male gorillas beat their chests? New study offers intriguing evidence
- A mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthersA mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthers
- Endangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles RiverEndangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles River
- In Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animalsIn Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animals
- Many mammals are contagious yawners—this might be whyMany mammals are contagious yawners—this might be why
Environment
- Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the regionOnce-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region
- As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleetsAs halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets
- Hazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the makingHazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the making
- Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Should cities start banning them?Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Should cities start banning them?
- Big winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice lossBig winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice loss
History & Culture
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
- How the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day traditionHow the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day tradition
Science
- Why the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputationWhy the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputation
- Europe to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clotsEurope to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clots
- How this more contagious virus variant became dominant in the U.S.How this more contagious virus variant became dominant in the U.S.
- Does everyone need to wear a mask outside? Experts weigh in.Does everyone need to wear a mask outside? Experts weigh in.
- Parasites are going extinct. Here's why we need to save them.
- Science
- Gory Details
Parasites are going extinct. Here's why we need to save them. - Why we need booster shots against variants to help end the pandemicWhy we need booster shots against variants to help end the pandemic
Travel
- This U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave systemThis U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave system
- Where to find warrior queens, fairies, and castles in ScotlandWhere to find warrior queens, fairies, and castles in Scotland