Humans
Sign up for our newsletter
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 			 Climate ClimateHoldren to Head White House ScienceIt appears that another physicist with Nobel ties is set to become the primary Obama adviser on science. By Janet Raloff
- 			 Humans HumansPrimates get a neural facialNew brain-imaging studies indicate that similar brain areas coordinate face recognition in people, chimpanzees and macaque monkeys, suggesting that a face-sensitive brain system evolved early in primate evolution. By Bruce Bower
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineBacteria help themselves in damaged lungsAn antibiotic produced by a bacterium acts as a molecular snorkel to help with breathing. The bacterium infects and kills many people with cystic fibrosis, and plugging the snorkel could lead to treatments. 
- 			 Ecosystems EcosystemsThwarting Tree PoachersA new federal rule makes it harder to destroy protected forests. By Janet Raloff
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineEnzyme inventory affects ovarian cancer outlookLevels of two enzymes crucial for shutting down genes might clarify the prognosis for ovarian cancer patients, a new study finds. By Nathan Seppa
- 			 Earth EarthSevere heat and cold top list of deadly natural hazardsData compilation by region, type of hazards shows deaths from more frequent events accumulate into significant numbers. Lightning strikes also high on the list. 
- 			 Earth EarthImproved Cars: Chu on ItHey Detroit: Lighten up, the incoming Energy Secretary recommends. By Janet Raloff
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineDual therapy best for nasty prostate cancerDual therapy that adds radiation to medication for aggressive prostate cancer yields better survival and fewer signs of relapse than drugs alone, a large Scandinavian clinical trial finds. By Nathan Seppa
- 			 Tech TechHoliday Gifts: Blog SitesSample other blogs and let us know of notables that we missed that are also worth sharing. By Janet Raloff
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicinePotentially potent chemo target in sightA fruit fly protein that helps control cell differentiation may be a powerful target for stopping human cancers. 
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineBreast cancer costs poor people moreOut-of-pocket costs of breast cancer hit poor individuals the hardest. By Nathan Seppa
- 			 Health & Medicine Health & MedicineSoy compound revs up cancer fighter in healthy tissueA lab study of healthy breast tissue cells shows increases in the tumor suppressor protein PTEN in the presence of soy isoflavone genistein, a compound believed to fight breast cancer. By Nathan Seppa