Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Cancer fighting green tea may have a dark side
This herbal remedy can short-circuit one of the few useful therapies for largely incurable blood cancers.
By Janet Raloff - Humans
Federal R&D downturn preceded ‘08 economic crash
Federal R&D spending looks grim — until you compare it to the U.S. economy in general.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
How the body rubs out West Nile virus
Tests in mice show how the immune system tracks down cells infected with West Nile virus, findings that might explain why some old people fare worst from the virus.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Melamine-tainted infant formula linked to kidney stones
Three new studies link the melamine tainting of infant formula in China with a greatly elevated risk that babies will develop potentially dangerous, symptom-free kidney stones.
By Janet Raloff - Chemistry
New money for undergraduate research
A new program will foster interdisciplinary physical-science research at predominantly undergraduate colleges.
By Janet Raloff - Humans
On Science & the Fearsome OMB
President Obama has directed federal budget masters to put public interests first when they review proposed regulations.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Needles can stick it to pain
Acupuncture lessens pain, but so do needles randomly stuck in the skin, a new analysis shows.
By Nathan Seppa - Chemistry
Nonstick chemicals linked to infertility
Featured blog: Infertility doubled in women who had high concentrations of commercially produced nonstick chemicals polluting their blood.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Chocolate may have arrived early to U.S. Southwest
A new study suggests that people in America’s Southwest were making cacao beverages as early as A.D. 1000.
- Humans
When dreams come true
People see hidden truths in their dreams and use dreams to guide waking attitudes and behaviors, especially when dream content supports pre-existing beliefs, researchers say.
By Bruce Bower - Humans
The Dating Go Round
Speed dating offers scientists a peek at how romance actually blossoms.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Excess blood sugar could harm cognition
Chronically high blood sugar levels in elderly people with diabetes seem to contribute to worsened cognitive function, a study shows.
By Nathan Seppa