Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Ecosystems
If you think the Amazon jungle is completely wild, think again
Ancient Amazonians partly or fully domesticated fruit and nut trees that still dominate some forests.
- Health & Medicine
Microcephaly, other birth defects are on the rise since Zika’s arrival
The rate of certain birth defects is much higher in babies born to Zika-infected mothers in the United States, the CDC reports.
- Health & Medicine
Certain birth defects are on the rise since Zika arrived in the U.S.
The rate of certain birth defects is much higher in babies born to Zika-infected mothers in the United States, the CDC reports.
- Health & Medicine
Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults
Colorectal cancer rates in the United States have increased in people younger than 50.
- Humans
Transgender children are at greater risk of mental health problems
The Trump administration has rescinded federal protections for transgender kids in public schools, a move that the American Academy of Pediatrics condemns.
- Health & Medicine
DNA may offer rapid road to Zika vaccine
Researchers are pursuing multiple vaccine strategies for blocking Zika infection.
- Health & Medicine
A preschooler’s bubbly personality may rub off on friends
Scientists caught personality shifts in preschoolers over a year by observing play.
- Health & Medicine
Questions remain about the benefits of taking testosterone
For men with low testosterone, the pros and cons of taking hormone replacement therapy are mixed.
- Health & Medicine
Instead of starving a cancer, researchers go after its defenses
There may be ways to block tumors from adapting and outrunning the body’s defenses.
- Anthropology
Power may have passed via women in ancient Chaco Canyon society
DNA points to a 330-year-long reign of a maternal dynasty centered in New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon.
- Anthropology
Low-status chimps revealed as trendsetters
Outranked chimpanzees trigger spread of useful new behaviors among their comrades.
- Health & Medicine
Common fungus may raise asthma risk
The presence of a fungus in the infant gut can signal development of asthma by age 5.
