Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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Health & MedicineCounterintuitive nutrition findings
Sometimes data don't confirm what we expected.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineA urine test may predict lung cancer risk
A urine test that reveals levels of two tobacco-related compounds may identify which smokers are most prone to developing lung cancer, a new study finds.
By Nathan Seppa -
ClimateEPA says greenhouse gases ‘endanger’ health
Featured blog: New ruling is a likely first step toward federal moves to cut tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide and more.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansNaps may help infants form abstract memories
Napping critically assists 15-month-olds in remembering the underlying structure of the language adults speak to them, a new study indicates.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineCertain carbs boost fat burning
Smarter breakfasting will help boost the value of exercise.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineSeemingly misplaced DNA acts as lenses
Nocturnal animals orient DNA in retinal cells to focus light.
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Health & MedicineEpilepsy drug might harm fetuses
Young children born to women who took the drug valproate for epilepsy during pregnancy have lower IQ scores, on average, than children whose moms used a different antiepilepsy medication.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineHypoglycemia linked to dementia
Episodes of low blood sugar that require medical attention seem to increase a person’s risk of developing dementia in old age, a study in people with type 2 diabetes shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansAn ancient remedy: Bitter herbs and sweet wine
New chemical analyses of wine jars suggest that ancient Egyptians mixed medicinal plants into wine.
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HumansIn teeth, more cracks are better than one
Cracks in tooth enamel, called tufts, distribute force and shield a tooth from fracture, researchers report.
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AnthropologyAfrican pygmies may be older than thought
A new DNA analysis indicates that pygmy hunter-gatherers and farming groups in Africa diverged from a common ancestral population around 60,000 years ago.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineTouch and sight push each other around
When the fingers feel downward motion, the eyes see upward motion.