Humans
Sign up for our newsletter
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineBrain measurements predict math progress with tutoringThe size and connections of a brain structure associated with memory formation predicted learning ability in 8- and 9-year-old children. By Meghan Rosen
- 			 Humans HumansWhat ancient mummies have to tell us about the perils of modern lifeOnce you hit a certain age, visiting a doctor is basically a guilt trip. All that satisfying stuff you eat, drink or smoke is killing you, a white-coated overachiever tells you. You need to exercise and lose weight, or the grim reaper will be at your door long before you’re ready. And it will all […] By Matt Crenson
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineHIV vaccine trial stoppedShots-plus-booster strategy deemed ineffective in preventing infection. By Nathan Seppa
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineHookah smoking delivers carcinogens and carbon monoxideWater pipes deliver carcinogens, nicotine and carbon monoxide to the user, a study finds. By Nathan Seppa
- 			 Humans HumansMaya civilization’s roots may lie in ritualCultural exchanges in southern Mexico and Guatemala tied to ancient society's rise. By Bruce Bower
- 			 Humans HumansWeb searches for money words anticipate market movesDow drops follow weeks when more people search Google for ‘debt’ or ‘stocks.’ 
- 			 Humans HumansThe psychology of J.C. Penney: Why shoppers like it when retailers play games with pricesLast year, J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson put an end to “fake prices,” the ones that customers see but rarely pay because of coupons and sales. Instead, the clothing retailer decided to sell items at cheaper everyday prices in an effort to “stop playing games” with consumers. By June, Johnson had conceded that this strategy […] 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineCircumcision changes penis biologyAltered mix of microbes might reduce susceptibility to viral infections. By Nathan Seppa
- 			 Psychology PsychologyDisputed signs of consciousness seen in babies’ brainsWithin five months of birth, infants produce a possible neural marker of being aware of what they see. By Bruce Bower
- 			  
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineThe Human Brainome ProjectObama announces ambitious plan to develop new tools for exploring neural circuitry. 
- 			 Life LifeInfants, whether mice or human, love to be carriedBeing toted around calms and quiets babies of both species. By Meghan Rosen