Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Ecstasy may cause memory problems
New users of club drug do worse than nonusers on one recall test.
- Humans
Maiden shows signs of TB-like infection
Molecular analysis yields clues about the immune system activity of a probable sacrificial victim.
- Humans
So long Weekly Reader . . .
I read with sadness this week that Weekly Reader is about to disappear. As much as I’ll miss the idea of the venerable Weekly Reader living on, I also have to admit to a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. This conflict developed shortly after I joined the staff here. As soon as I identified my affiliation, people frequently asked: “Science News — hmmm: Isn’t that the Weekly Reader of science?”
- Health & Medicine
Male circumcision tied to lower HIV prevalence
Clinical programs in eastern and southern Africa also seem to be changing people’s views on the operation.
- Humans
Altruistic kidney donors help many
Mass exchanges result in more kidneys for difficult-to-match recipients.
- Humans
Blog: Remembering Sally Ride
Astronomy writer Nadia Drake looks back on the astronaut’s reach.
- Earth
Night lights may foster depression
In animals, chronic dim light triggers brain changes that disappear with the return of nightlong darkness.
- Health & Medicine
Sperm analyzed, one by one
A close look at the sex cell’s DNA reveals basic molecular processes.
- Health & Medicine
Egg in tiny doses curbs allergy
Giving allergic kids minuscule bits of problem food and gradually increasing it over many months wipes out reactions in some, a study finds.
- Humans
Mideast violence goes way back
One-quarter of skulls excavated in troubled region display injuries from clubs or other weapons.
- Tech
FDA bans BPA in baby bottles, cups
From now on, U.S. manufacturers may no longer produce polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups (for toddlers) if the clear plastic had been manufactured from bisphenol A, a hormone-mimicking compound. Long-awaited, the announcement is anything but a bold gesture. The Obama administration decided to lock this barn door after the cow had died.
- Humans
Putting BPA-based dental fillings in perspective
A new study finds that children who have their cavities filled with a white composite resin known as bis-GMA appear to develop small but quantifiable drops in psychosocial function. To put it simply: Treated kids can become more moody, aggressive and generally less well adjusted.
