Humans
Sign up for our newsletter
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
-
HumansPain relief to believe in
Religious believers shown pictures that evoke spiritual responses display brain activity that may contribute to feeling relief from physical pain, a new study finds.
By Bruce Bower -
HumansThe presidential candidates on science
The Science Debate 2008 team sent science and technology questions to Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama. Find out how they answered.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicinePlastics chemical linked to heart disease, diabetes
Study is based on data collected from human adults and matches urine concentrations of bisphenol A with type 2 diabetes, heart disease and liver enzyme problems
-
AstronomyMcCain Is Bullish on R&D
Featured blog: John McCain weighs in on science and technology issues with long-awaited written responses to the Science Debate 2008.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineLate nights and disease
Getting too little sleep may lead to health problems. A new study shows that after only one night of sleep deprivation, women have higher levels of an inflammatory molecule linked to cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
-
Materials ScienceA killer paint job
New findings suggest that nanotechnology paints for walls, ceilings and surfaces could one day be used to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals.
-
HumansTeen depression: No genes required
The family-shattering effects of a mother’s depression can prompt the same mood disorder in her children, independent of any genetic risk.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineAverting Medical Mistakes
Work-hour reforms are needed to protect both the youngest, most-inexperienced doctors and the hospital patients they're charged with treating.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineGood day care grime
A study of 952 children in Manchester, England, suggests that children going to day care starting at age 6 months could be less likely to develop asthma later.
-
TechCops Might Get Pollution Sniffers
One day soon, precise up-to-minute air pollution data might be available at a street-by-street level.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansInborn path to math
A new study links math achievement with individual differences in the ability to rapidly estimate quantities.
By Bruce Bower -
HumansCollege Illiterates
Students seem increasingly apathetic to the printed word.
By Janet Raloff