News
- Health & Medicine
Fast food linked to asthma risk
A diet high in fast food seems to increase the risk of asthma in young children and adolescents, survey data from more than a half-million people finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Newborns’ brains bear signs of adult illnesses
Disease genes associated with reduced volume in certain regions at birth.
- Physics
New clock revolves around an atom’s mass
A controversial new study claims that time can be measured by precisely determining a single particle's heft.
By Andrew Grant - Humans
Pruney digits help people get a grip
Finger and toe wrinkling may have evolved as an adaptation to wet conditions.
By Tanya Lewis - Health & Medicine
Updated Pap smear detects ovarian, uterine cancers
Adding a genetic analysis to the procedure reveals mutations specific to the two malignancies.
By Nathan Seppa - Earth
Quakes may bring nearby rocks closer to rupture
Lab studies could explain how a seemingly stable geologic fault can fail.
By Erin Wayman - Life
City lights create sexual early birds
Male blackbirds exposed to nocturnal illumination are ready to mate sooner in spring.
By Susan Milius - Health & Medicine
Long space missions may be hazardous to your sleep
Crew on simulated Mars trip moved less and slept more during 520-day project.
- Humans
Language learning may begin before birth
Newborns show signs of having tracked moms’ speech while still in the womb.
By Bruce Bower - Chemistry
Hottest temperature ever measured is a negative one
Ultracold gas sets record on the kelvin scale.
By Andrew Grant - Space
New Martian meteorite is one of a kind
Rock is water-rich and resembles observed regions of Red Planet’s crust.
By Tanya Lewis - Health & Medicine
Inactivated virus shows promise against HIV
Some patients getting an experimental vaccine therapy developed immunity.
By Nathan Seppa