Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Archaeology
Genetic tests confirm remains are those of King Richard III
DNA evidence has finally confirmed that remains found beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England, are those of King Richard III.
- Health & Medicine
For kids, news coverage can bring distant tragedy home
Media coverage of disasters and other major events can have an emotional effect on kids. Experts suggest that parents limit news exposure and discuss tough topics.
- Health & Medicine
Children can suffer emotional wounds in a disaster
Natural disasters and terrorist attacks have taught researchers that a subset of children may face long-term problems. Parent reactions and how quickly life returns to normal can make a difference.
- Health & Medicine
Ebola vaccine shows no major side effects in small study
An experimental vaccine against Ebola virus has tested well in people, researchers report.
- Health & Medicine
Turning the immune system on cancer
A new class of drugs uncloaks tumors in some patients, awakening home-grown cells to fight several cancer types.
- Archaeology
Golden Fleece myth was based on real events, geologists contend
Jason’s legend grew out of long-distance trade with people who used sheepskins to collect gold.
- Humans
Breakfast in the classroom boosts school attendance
Schools that serve breakfast in the classroom have slightly better attendance than schools that only offer the meal in the cafeteria.
- Health & Medicine
Add high-fat diet to the ‘don’t’ list for pregnant moms
There’s always controversy over what to eat while pregnant. Four animal studies at this year’s Society for Neuroscience meeting bring together negative effects of high-fat diets.
- Archaeology
Barley elevated Central Asian farmers to ‘the roof of the world’
Hardy western crops allowed villagers to settle in the cold, thin air atop the Tibetan Plateau.
- Health & Medicine
The kids will be all right
Children are generally as resilient as adults when it comes to acute trauma, and studies suggest that a little stress and exercise might help kids cope with disasters.
- Life
Norovirus can play protective role in mice
In mice, viral infection can help intestines develop, strengthen immune system.
- Health & Medicine
Aspirin’s heart benefits not a slam dunk
No survival gain found in people age 60 and over who took daily dose of aspirin.
