Humans

  1. Health & Medicine

    Flu shot during pregnancy is safe, but flu isn’t

    Illness in the mother nearly doubles the risk of a miscarriage or stillbirth in second or third trimester, a new study shows.

    By
  2. Psychology

    Depression gene search disappoints

    A comprehensive effort to find links between genetic variants and low mood comes up empty.

    By
  3. Humans

    Cold spells were dark times in Eastern Europe

    Cooler periods coincided with conflicts and disease outbreaks, a tree-ring study spanning the last millennium finds.

    By
  4. Health & Medicine

    Fast food linked to asthma risk

    A diet high in fast food seems to increase the risk of asthma in young children and adolescents, survey data from more than a half-million people finds.

    By
  5. Health & Medicine

    Newborns’ brains bear signs of adult illnesses

    Disease genes associated with reduced volume in certain regions at birth.

    By
  6. Health & Medicine

    Little Mind Benders

    Parasites that sneak into the brain may alter your behavior and health.

    By
  7. Humans

    Pruney digits help people get a grip

    Finger and toe wrinkling may have evolved as an adaptation to wet conditions.

    By
  8. Humans

    Wrist bones said to distinguish hobbits

    New fossils enter the debate over tiny humanlike species that lived in Indonesia.

    By
  9. Health & Medicine

    Updated Pap smear detects ovarian, uterine cancers

    Adding a genetic analysis to the procedure reveals mutations specific to the two malignancies.

    By
  10. Health & Medicine

    Drug restores lost hearing

    Loud noises can damage sensitive inner ear cells called hair cells, which in mammals don’t grow back.

    By
  11. Health & Medicine

    Long space missions may be hazardous to your sleep

    Crew on simulated Mars trip moved less and slept more during 520-day project.

    By
  12. Humans

    Language learning may begin before birth

    Newborns show signs of having tracked moms’ speech while still in the womb.

    By