Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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HumansSTS finalists bound for Washington
Forty vie for top awards in 2013 Intel Science Talent Search.
By Matt Crenson -
Health & MedicineDigestive juices implicated in shock
A new study finds that blocking enzymes' effects beyond the gastrointestinal tract may be an effective treatment strategy.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansH5N1 influenza research moratorium ends
Scientists lift self-imposed moratorium on research that would make avian flu transmissible among humans.
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TechDNA stores poems, a photo and a speech
The molecule swaps its biological role for a computational one, that of long-term data storage.
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Health & MedicineHalf of U.S. babies may miss on-time vaccinations
Immunization delays place children at risk of contracting preventable diseases.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineWhen hearing goes, mental capacity often follows
Cognitive decline may result from decreased social interaction or diversion of brainpower toward understanding speech.
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HumansAncient human DNA suggests minimal interbreeding
Genetic analysis indicates Stone Age people mated infrequently with Neandertals and other close relatives.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineBrain region associated with selfishness
In three women, damage to basolateral amygdala prompted unusual generosity.
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Health & MedicineFlu 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 Nathan Seppa -
PsychologyDepression gene search disappoints
A comprehensive effort to find links between genetic variants and low mood comes up empty.
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HumansCold 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 Erin Wayman -
Health & MedicineFast 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 Nathan Seppa