News
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Health & MedicineFlu shot during pregnancy is safe, but flu isn’t
Illness in the mother nearly doubles the risk of a miscarriage or stillbirth in second or third trimester, a new study shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
PsychologyDepression gene search disappoints
A comprehensive effort to find links between genetic variants and low mood comes up empty.
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SpaceStellar baby picture
The newborn stars, not even a million years old, formed when regions of a cloud of cool dust and gas (visible at center left) collapsed from gravity.
By Andrew Grant -
AnimalsFinally, the truth about barnacle sex is revealed
A genetic analysis shows that the sessile crustaceans can broadcast sperm in water, contrary to previous assumptions.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsClaims of fairness in apes have critics crying foul
A report that chimps divvy up rewards much as people do draws criticism.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineFast 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 & MedicineNewborns’ brains bear signs of adult illnesses
Disease genes associated with reduced volume in certain regions at birth.
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PhysicsNew 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 -
HumansPruney digits help people get a grip
Finger and toe wrinkling may have evolved as an adaptation to wet conditions.
By Tanya Lewis -
Health & MedicineUpdated Pap smear detects ovarian, uterine cancers
Adding a genetic analysis to the procedure reveals mutations specific to the two malignancies.
By Nathan Seppa -
EarthQuakes may bring nearby rocks closer to rupture
Lab studies could explain how a seemingly stable geologic fault can fail.
By Erin Wayman -
LifeCity lights create sexual early birds
Male blackbirds exposed to nocturnal illumination are ready to mate sooner in spring.
By Susan Milius