Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Big Headache: Auras may add risk to migraines
Women who experience migraines that are preceded by sensory irregularities face a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Humans
Letters from the July 22, 2006, issue of Science News
First, count all the lawyers The study in “Legal Debate: Assumptions on medical malpractice called into question” (SN: 5/13/06, p. 291) fails to address the more disturbing issue: Most of the insurance money (apparently) goes to lawyers (both sides), and very little to those injured. Peter WilsonSimi Valley, Calif. The numbers in the story pose […]
- Health & Medicine
Ingredient might prevent sexually transmitted disease
A seaweed derivative that's commonly added to many consumer products as a thickening agent can inhibit the virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts.
- Health & Medicine
Statins might lower risk of cataracts
Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins might slow the formation of certain types of cataracts in the eye.
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- Health & Medicine
Keep on Going: Busy seniors live longer, more proof that it pays to stay active
Healthy elderly people who burn a lot of calories each day may be gaining extra years of life.
- Anthropology
Little Ancestor, Big Debate: Tiny islanders’ identity sparks dispute
New measurements bolster the 2-year-old claim that fossils of a half-size human ancestor found on an Indonesian island represent a new species.
- Humans
Close Your Books: Cuts, shutdowns loom for EPA libraries
Some regional libraries maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency will permanently shut their doors because of a proposed cut to their funding.
- Health & Medicine
In utero factors shape responses to stress, sugar
Abnormal conditions during pregnancy can lead in unexpected ways to physiological problems in children once they reach adulthood.
- Health & Medicine
Thyroid-hormone mimic lowers LDL
A compound in a new class of potential anti-cholesterol drugs has passed an early test in people.
- Anthropology
Did small hominids have a genetic defect?
Miniature humans whose prehistoric remains were recently unearthed on an Indonesian island may have had a genetic disease known as Laron syndrome.
- Health & Medicine
Growth hormone’s risks outweigh its benefits
Human growth hormone has substantial risks and no functional benefits for healthy, elderly people.
