Humans
- Life
Genes that control toxin production in C. difficile ID’d
Pinpointing the genes behind Clostridium difficile toxin production could help researchers disarm the superbug without killing “good” bacteria.
- Health & Medicine
Keep it simple when choosing a sunscreen for your kid
For parents swimming in a sea of sunscreen choices, look for a few key attributes.
- Neuroscience
Sleep deprivation hits some brain areas hard
Brain scan study reveals hodgepodge effects of sleep deprivation.
- Science & Society
Cancer drug came from traditional Chinese medicine
Researchers looked to traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment clues 50 years ago. Today, synthetic versions treat a variety of cancers.
- Paleontology
Humans may have taken different path into Americas than thought
An ice-free corridor through the North American Arctic may have been too barren to support the first human migrations into the New World.
- Anthropology
Notorious ‘ape-man’ fossil hoax pinned on one wrongdoer
New Piltdown Man study pegs infamous ‘ape-man’ skull forgery on one well-informed culprit.
By Bruce Bower - Neuroscience
Aging-related protein may play role in depression
Mouse study reveals link between aging protein and depression.
- Neuroscience
‘Neural dust’ can listen to body’s electrical signals
Tiny crystals can detect electrical signals in nerves and muscles of rats.
- Science & Society
FDA OKs first GM mosquito trial in U.S. but hurdles remain
The FDA has concluded that test releases of Oxitec GM mosquitoes on a Florida key poses no significant problem for the environment, but local officials still have to agree
By Susan Milius - Earth
China’s mythical ‘Great Flood’ possibly rooted in real disaster
Folktales of an ancient flood that helped kick off Chinese civilization may reference a nearly 4,000-year-old deluge.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Zika vaccines work in rhesus monkeys
Three vaccines can protect rhesus monkeys from infection with Zika. One of them fended off viral strains from both Brazil and Puerto Rico.
By Meghan Rosen - Neuroscience
Red blood cells sense low oxygen in the brain
Red blood cells sense low oxygen and speed to the scene, a new study suggests.