Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Neuroscience
Brain shapes come from mom and dad
By linking genes to brain shapes, scientists have a new way to study how the brain works.
- Archaeology
6,000-year-old skeletons in French pit came from victims of violence
Human bones in a French pit recall lethal conflicts and limb lopping 6,000 years ago.
- Genetics
Liberia’s Ebola outbreak largely traced to one source
Ebola’s spread and evolution in Liberia echoes patterns seen in Sierra Leone.
- Health & Medicine
Iron helps growing bodies, but could too much do harm?
Iron fortification has been a public health victory in the fight against childhood anemia. But too much iron may be a cause for concern, scientists propose.
- Health & Medicine
High-potency pot smokers show brain-fiber damage
People who smoke potent pot had signs of damage in a brain communication link.
- Health & Medicine
Pay attention to that under-the-weather feeling
People can forecast their likelihood of catching colds by rating their own health, study shows.
- Health & Medicine
Virus spread by mosquitoes linked to rare birth defect
In addition to fever, rash and vomiting, Zika virus may cause rare birth defect.
- Health & Medicine
Pregnancy hormone could keep multiple sclerosis at bay
A small trial hints that pregnancy hormone can reduce MS flare-ups.
- Health & Medicine
Taking antiviral drug ‘on demand’ can guard against HIV
The antiviral drug Truvada taken before and after sex cuts HIV transmission rates.
- Health & Medicine
Taking antiviral drug ‘on demand’ guards against HIV
The antiviral drug Truvada taken before and after sex cuts HIV transmission rates.
- Anthropology
People roamed tip of South America 18,500 years ago
Stone tools, charred animal bones and fire ash found at the Monte Verde site in Chile indicate people reached South America’s southernmost territory at least 18,500 years ago.
- Archaeology
Search for fossils from the comfort of home
The citizen science website FossilFinder.org lets anyone with an Internet connection look for fossils and characterize rocks at Kenya’s Lake Turkana Basin
