Humans

Health & Medicine

Two American Ebola patients given experimental therapy

The two American missionaries who contracted Ebola in Liberia have been treated with an experimental therapy that consists of antibodies to fragments of the deadly virus.

Psychology

Addiction showcases the brain’s flexibility

People with substance abuse disorders are not just chasing a high. Their brains are adapting to the presence of drug, evidence of humans’ impressive neural plasticity.

Anthropology

‘Hobbit’ may have been human with Down syndrome

A reanalysis of a skull scientists used to argue for the hobbit species Homo floresiensis suggests the woman was a modern human with features of Down syndrome.

Health & Medicine

Mummies reveal hardened arteries

Mummy studies suggest heart disease is an ancient malady, not just the product of modern diets and sedentary lifestyles.

Health & Medicine

Seven facts and a mystery about hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral illness that most kids get before age 5. Several different viruses cause the condition, which causes blisters and fevers.

Neuroscience

Part of brain’s pleasure network curbed in mice with chronic pain

Part of brain’s pleasure network is muffled in mice with chronic paw injuries, a new study finds.

Health & Medicine

Fist bumps spread fewer bacteria than handshakes

Fist bumping spreads far fewer bacteria than a handshake or a high five, a new study shows.

Health & Medicine

Resistance to key malaria drug spreads

Parasites that are less susceptible to artemisinin now affect several Asian countries.

Psychology

Goalkeepers deceive themselves when facing penalty kicks

Soccer’s goalies fall victim to a logical fallacy during the sport’s most high-pressure situation, seeing trends where none exists.

Health & Medicine

Hepatitis E widespread among English blood donors

Screening of 225,000 blood donations reveals a high prevalence of the hepatitis E virus.

Tech

Small lies in social networks may keep society running

Lying in social networks could have adverse, as well as beneficial, effects depending on the severity of the deception.

Health & Medicine

Boot camp bug

Adenoviruses, which cause respiratory illnesses including some colds, plague boot camps.