News
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Health & MedicineSunshine vitamin diminishes risk of colds, flu
A study of nearly 19,000 adults shows that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop colds, flu and pneumonia.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineBreast cancer drug gets boost
Natural protein could make the most aggressive breast cancers vulnerable tamoxifen, and may even prevent the cancer’s spread.
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Health & MedicineTaking age stereotypes to heart
A long-term investigation indicates that young and middle-aged adults who hold negative attitudes about the elderly are more likely to have heart ailments and strokes later in life.
By Bruce Bower -
SpaceSatellite collision: brief update on Hubble and debris
In an unprecedented collision, two large satellites crashed into each other in low-Earth orbit on February 10. The effect on a planned Hubble repair mission remains unclear.
By Ron Cowen -
SpaceNew window on the high-energy universe
New telescope finds strange behavior in gamma-ray bursts, and also documents the highest energy burst known.
By Ron Cowen -
TechCatalyst knocks out a smog maker
Unique system could help truckers meet new emissions standards.
By Janet Raloff -
PlantsAnimals’ jaundice pigment found in plants
Bilirubin, a compound well known in animals, gives seed fuzz its intense orange.
By Susan Milius -
PhysicsPhysics could unite plankton
Oceanic version of wind shear can disorient marine microorganisms and trigger formation of thin, densely populated layers.
By Sid Perkins -
LifeAnti-aging: A little stress may keep cells youthful
The aging-related Sirtuin 1 protein also regulates heat shock response, a mechanism cells use to combat stress.
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Health & MedicinePossible genetic flag for brain cancer
Mutations in IDH genes show up in many brain cancers, but the genes’ role remains unclear.
By Nathan Seppa -
ClimateHot carbon storage
New field studies show Africa’s tropical forests have stored carbon in recent decades.
By Sid Perkins -
PsychologyDon’t worry, get attention training
New studies suggest that a short course of attention training offers as much relief to sufferers of two common anxiety disorders as psychotherapy or medication.
By Bruce Bower