Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Gestures speak volumes in the brain
A new brain-imaging study suggests that an understanding of spoken language relies on changing sets of brain networks that exploit acoustic and visual cues.
- Ecosystems
Exxon Valdez killed future for some killer whales
An Alaskan oil spill disrupted family structure in killer-whale groups, with lasting and dramatic repercussions.
- Earth
Exxon Valdez 20 Years Later
March 24 marked the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The effects are still obvious today. A series of blogs from senior editor Janet Raloff describes the continuing aftermath.
- Health & Medicine
Male circumcision fends off the most common STDs
Male circumcision prevents some genital herpes and human papillomavirus infections, a study in Ugandan adolescent boys and men shows.
- Health & Medicine
Licorice may interfere with certain drugs
Studies in rats suggest that the active compound in licorice root can promote or hinder the availability of certain drugs.
- Humans
Otters and oil: Problems remain
The behavior of Alaska's southern sea otters may unwittingly expose them to toxic oil-spill residues.
- Health & Medicine
Early anesthesia may hinder kids’ learning
Young children who get general anesthesia more than once before age 4 may be at increased risk of developing a learning disability later in childhood, a new study finds.
- Chemistry
Exxon Valdez oil lingers, as does its toxicity
Even 20 years after a major oil spill, barely degraded pockets of the oil persist within some intertidal beaches, research shows.
- Health & Medicine
Tired brain defaults differently
Sleep deprivation may cause the brain to switch to default mode when it should be paying attention.
- Health & Medicine
Junior moments
A new study finds that young adults actually had more "senior moments" than did older people.
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- Humans
Holdren, Lubchenco confirmed for Obama posts
Another two scientists formally enter the Obama administration.
