Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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HumansDigital Data Cry Out — Save Me!
Despite being make-or-break issues, how to collect, store, and catalog digital data are on the radar screens of few scientists and engineers.
By Janet Raloff -
LifeWine find
Cell tests suggest that resveratrol, the substance that seems to account for the healthful effects of red wine, might have antiobesity effects, too.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineGood news for coffeeholics
When lifestyle factors like smoking were taken into account, coffee drinkers had lower death rates than their non-drinking peers, according to a study of more than 120,000 people.
By Tia Ghose -
Health & MedicineKeep at it
Moderate exercise can extend survival for overweight and obese men who have diabetes.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansDoritos in Space
Today, a huge European radar-transmitter system sent an ad for a cheesy snack radiating out into space.
By Janet Raloff -
ArchaeologyResurrection of a biblical tree
Date palm pit found at Masada sprouts at age 2,000, becoming the oldest known seed to germinate.
By Amy Maxmen -
Health & MedicineNo babies, no hormones
A radically different form of contraception would prevent pregnancies with small molecules of RNA.
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HumansWash Your Veggies!
The lesson in all of these food-poisoning outbreaks is that we must not expect a risk-free food-supply chain.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansTeacher Certification Increases, But . . .
Rigorous standards exist for what teachers should know and be able to do. The rub: only about three U.S. teachers out of every five schools have demonstrated they meet those standards.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineVirus versus virus
Customized RNA snippets delivered by a harmless virus could someday provide a new way to combat the hepatitis B virus.
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Health & MedicineSeeing disease’s acidic side
Small tumors can be detected using a new technique that safely, reliably and noninvasively measures tissue chemistry.
By Amy Maxmen -
HumansSymbolic snacks
Capuchin monkeys can reason with tokens as they do with different foods, demonstrating a basic capacity for thinking symbolically.
By Bruce Bower