Humans

Sign up for our newsletter

We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

More Stories in Humans

  1. Health & Medicine

    How a brutal drought may have helped unleash yellow fever in Brazil

    Animals searching for water brought the forest to the city, perhaps sparking Brazil’s first yellow fever outbreak in decades.

    By
  2. Health & Medicine

    A light-based scan could detect deadly bowel disease in preterm babies

    Necrotizing enterocolitis strikes premature babies with almost no warning. A new approach aims to detect it early with a quick, low-risk scan.

    By
  3. Neuroscience

    A photographic memory is wishful thinking

    In fiction, photographic memories crack the case or save the day. But our brains can’t hold on to everything — and that’s a good thing.

    By
  4. Health & Medicine

    Estrogen therapy is linked to fewer signs of Alzheimer’s in the brain

    Estrogen-only menopause therapy in older women was linked to less Alzheimer’s brain pathology at autopsy but may not prevent the disease.

    By
  5. Health & Medicine

    Newborn screening for cancer risk could save lives. Should it be done?

    Genetic screening that identifies cancer-linked mutations in newborns could give doctors a head start on treatment, but it comes with risks.

    By
  6. Archaeology

    Ancient Greek rings may have been forged with iron from meteorites

    Chemical analysis of Bronze Age iron objects indicate that Greek nobles may have indulged in signet rings made with precious metal from the sky.

    By
  7. Artificial Intelligence

    AI may respond differently to bosses and subordinates

    In simulated conversations, social hierarchy can sway AI agents, making lower-status systems more likely to follow harmful requests.

    By
  8. Health & Medicine

    Here’s what the first mRNA flu vaccine could mean for flu season

    Compared with standard flu shots, Moderna’s mFlusiva generates stronger, longer-lasting immunity and is more effective at preventing infection, data show.

    By
  9. Anthropology

    Sugar may have been a key ingredient in human evolution

    A sweet tooth for sugars from fruits and honey may have helped fuel brain growth in our primate cousins and early human ancestors, a new study suggests.

    By