Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Blacks far less likely than whites to land NIH grants
Among minority scientists applying for National Institutes of Health research grants, blacks alone face a substantially lower likelihood of being successful than whites, a new study finds. This investigation, which was prompted by the research agency itself, will catalyze further probes and a host of changes, promises NIH director Francis Collins.
- Health & Medicine
Lost in the periphery
The human visual system discards information along the edges, a new study shows.
- Humans
Ancient Saharan head cases
Skulls from a North African civilization provide glimpses of what may be early cranial surgery.
- Health & Medicine
Cigarettes cause half of bladder cancers in women
People who smoke are four times as likely to develop the malignancy as people who never smoked, a study finds.
- Earth
Stature’s heightened risk of cancer
My daughter is always shopping for 4-inch heels or other elevating footwear to make her appear taller. But a new study suggests that diminutive stature has at least one major perk: a lower risk of cancer.
- Humans
Financial world dominated by a few deep pockets
Analysis suggests a small number of firms control a big share of global wealth.
- Tech
Growing need for space trash collectors
On April 2, for the fifth time in less than three years, the International Space Station fired its engines to dodge a piece of orbital debris that appeared on a collision path. Other spacecraft also regularly scoot out of the way of rocket and satellite debris. Such evasive action will be needed increasingly frequently, a new study finds.
- Humans
Big fish return to Mexican marine park
Most effects of overharvesting reversed within a decade.
- Psychology
Moms talk, daughters’ hormones listen
A familiar voice, but not instant messaging, may trigger a kind of hormonal reassurance in girls.
- Tech
Sparing the rare earths
Potential shortages of useful metals inspire scientists to seek alternatives for magnet technologies
- Tech
Computers get under our skin
Epidermal devices offer new potential to integrate electronics into the body.
- Health & Medicine
New in Brief: Body & Brain
Second-guessing cancer treatments, a boyish side to soy and more in this week's news.
