Humans

Sign up for our newsletter

We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

More Stories in Humans

  1. Science & Society

    The golden age of language was a few thousand years ago

    A few millennia ago, people worldwide may have spoken or signed up to 10 times as many languages as they do today.

    By
  2. Health & Medicine

    Measles cases in the U.S. hit a new 34-year high

    The U.S. hasn't seen measles numbers like this since 1992. An epidemiologist explains what's driving the surge.

    By
  3. Health & Medicine

    An experimental oral vaccine may prevent invasive bacterial diarrhea

    Shigella causes about 450,000 U.S. infections each year. An experimental oral vaccine protected adults in a small human trial.

    By
  4. Archaeology

    Pompeii’s survivors shine in a new documentary series

    Hosted by actor Tom Hiddleston, Pompeii: Out of Time mixes facts and fiction to bring three real ancient Romans to life.

    By
  5. Artificial Intelligence

    AI ‘ghosts’ can comfort mourners — even when the bots get the facts wrong

    A small study suggests emotional fit, not perfect accuracy, may make chatbot versions of dead loved ones feel real.

    By
  6. Anthropology

    In painted caves, ancient human DNA clings to the walls

    Scientists recovered ancient human DNA from cave walls for the first time. Refined, the method could help link prehistoric paintings to their makers.

    By
  7. Humans

    Who owns your bones?

    Editor in Chief Nancy Shute discusses the history of unethical practices in research on human remains and the progress toward more ethical standards.

    By
  8. Health & Medicine

    Inside the fight against the parasite Cyclospora

    Parasite-induced cases of explosive diarrhea are sweeping the United States. Containing the outbreak won’t be easy.

    By
  9. Anthropology

    Many universities hold seized human remains. What should they do with them?

    Biological anthropologist Fatimah Jackson is leading an effort to prevent history from repeating.

    By