Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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HumansObama’s new directive on energy efficiency
New appliance standards are coming, the president reported today.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineCancer 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 -
HumansFederal 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 & MedicineHow 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 & MedicineMelamine-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 -
ChemistryNew money for undergraduate research
A new program will foster interdisciplinary physical-science research at predominantly undergraduate colleges.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansOn 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 & MedicineNeedles can stick it to pain
Acupuncture lessens pain, but so do needles randomly stuck in the skin, a new analysis shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
ChemistryNonstick 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 & MedicineChocolate 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.
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HumansWhen 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 -
HumansThe Dating Go Round
Speed dating offers scientists a peek at how romance actually blossoms.
By Bruce Bower