News
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HumansNetworks dominated by rule of the few
Certain systems, including social hubs like Facebook, can be directed from relatively few control points.
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Humans‘Bonding hormone’ linked to post-baby blues
Low oxytocin levels in pregnant women may help predict whether they will have postpartum depression.
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SpaceCrab Nebula activity keeps confounding
Unusually rapid fluctuations in the output of a supernova remnant send theorists scuttling for a reasonable explanation.
By Ron Cowen -
ChemistryIdling jets pollute more than thought
Oily droplets emitted by planes operating at low power can turn into potentially toxic airborne particles.
By Janet Raloff -
LifeAnimals quickly colonized freshwater
Fossilized worm burrows show that life had moved beyond the oceans by 530 million years ago.
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Health & MedicineUnnoticed celiac disease worth treating
People who have an antibody reaction to gluten but no outward symptoms are better off if they avoid grains containing the protein, a study shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
PsychologyAutism rates head up
Disorders may affect more kids than previously thought, a study in South Korea suggests.
By Bruce Bower -
LifeFungus strikes but doesn’t kill European bats
Organism that is devastating North American populations might have coevolved with hosts overseas.
By Janet Raloff -
AstronomySupermassive black hole rises and shines
Astronomers may have witnessed the activation of a dormant supermassive black hole in a distant galaxy.
By Ron Cowen -
PsychologyThinking better with depression
Study suggests people with the mood disorder have an advantage when making certain decisions.
By Bruce Bower -
ChemistrySpray of zinc marks fertilization
Embryonic development begins with an outpouring of the metal, illustrating chemistry's importance in orchestrating biological processes.
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EarthWarming dents corn and wheat yields
Rising temperatures have decreased global grain production and may be partly responsible for food price increases.