Why Female Octopuses Self-Destruct After Laying Eggs

Addictive behavior could trace back to an ancient retrovirus in our DNA

Millions of Americans struggle with substance abuse and tens of thousands die each year, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Though treating addiction has become a vast (and at times abusive) industry, the underlying causes of drug or alcohol dependency—and how to successfully treat these debilitating conditions—are still poorly understood by science. Now, researchers think they’ve found the germ of an answer in our genetic past. Continue reading Addictive behavior could trace back to an ancient retrovirus in our DNA →