Uncategorized

  1. Life

    Duplication in genomes may separate humans from apes

    A sudden peak in duplication of chunks of DNA in the common ancestor of humans, chimps and gorillas led to genetic flexibility, which created differences among the species.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  2. Humans

    For gamblers’ brains, almost counts

    In an experiment mimicking slot machines, people’s brains reacted similarly to almost winning as to winning, possibly explaining why gambling can be addictive.

    By Laura Sanders
  3. Health & Medicine

    A better test for prostate cancer

    Elevated urine concentrations of a compound called sarcosine in men with prostate cancer may signal an aggressive malignancy.

    By Nathan Seppa
  4. Psychology

    Fatal fallout of financial failure

    Using population data, researchers have linked a widespread Asian economic crisis in 1997 to an abrupt increase in suicide rates the following year in hard-hit places.