Humans

  1. Health & Medicine

    Of ‘science’ and fetal whaling

    Japan had been sacrificing a large number of pregnant whales in the name of science.

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  2. Health & Medicine

    Test might ascertain who needs appendectomy

    Appendicitis might be diagnosable with a new urine test, an advance that could prevent many unnecessary surgeries.

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  3. Humans

    Doctors don’t always relay important test results

    When it comes to medical tests, don't assume that 'no news is good news,' a new study finds.

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  4. Archaeology

    Ancient granaries preceded the Agricultural Revolution

    Granaries excavated in Jordan indicate that people stored large quantities of wild cereals by about 11,300 years ago, a practice that led to the cultivation of domesticated plants, a new study suggests.

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  5. Health & Medicine

    Downside of red-hot chili peppers

    In the wild, a culinary kick comes with risks to the plant.

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  6. Climate

    Fire

    Understanding long-term changes in wildfire patterns challenges scientists from multiple disciplines.

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  7. Humans

    Seeking genetic fate

    Personal genomics companies offer forecasts of disease risk, but the science behind the packaging is still evolving.

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  8. Health & Medicine

    A role for Merkels

    Mysterious skin cells known as Merkel cells are required to sense light touches.

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  9. Health & Medicine

    Gene silencing in colorectal cancer may prove useful

    Genetic irregularity in colorectal cancer cells might serve as a biomarker of risk for this malignancy.

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  10. Computing

    Asia: One reason America can’t afford to jettison good teachers

    Asia appears to prize science and tech education far more than America does, and the result may be a waning of the West's economic and entrepreneurial dominance.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Gene plus stress equals depression debate

    A reanalysis of data challenges a prominent report that a particular gene variant interacts with stressful experiences to promote depression, sparking controversy.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    CT scan nearly as good as regular colonoscopy

    Virtual colonoscopy might suffice for people at high risk of colorectal cancer, a new study finds.

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