Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Humans
Letters from the April 15, 2006, issue of Science News
Light shift Regarding “Blasts from the Past: Astronomers begin to go the distance with gamma-ray bursts” (SN: 2/11/06, p. 88), why is it that visible light is shifted to lower frequencies but gamma rays aren’t? Shouldn’t they have become X rays after all that distance? Stephen WoodOrlando, Fla. All wavelengths are redshifted. That means that […]
- Health & Medicine
Putting the Pressure on Poisons
Although rice can contain traces of a liver carcinogen, a new study finds that pressure-cooking reduces toxin quantities to safe levels.
- Health & Medicine
Breakfast trends
Although breakfasts tend to pack a lot of nutrition per typical calorie consumed, one in five U.S. residents skips this meal.
- Archaeology
Early farmers took time to tame wheat
Domesticated varieties of wheat emerged gradually in the prehistoric Near East over a roughly 3,000-year span.
- Humans
From the April 4, 1936, issue
Hidden blossoms of spring, postponing old age, and the future of atomic energy.
- Health & Medicine
Defusing the Dairy Dilemma
A new analysis finds that most people who suffer from lactose intolerance can still down dairy products in moderation.
- Humans
Letters from the April 8, 2006, issue of Science News
Hot and cold “Warming climate will slow ocean circulation” (SN: 2/4/06, p. 77) makes me wonder, Does continental drift cause occasional changes to the ocean’s currents? Would major reorganizations of ocean currents tend to cause ice ages by temporarily disrupting the flow of warm water that normally keeps the ice at bay? Would simulations of […]
- Health & Medicine
Building a Bladder: Patients for the first time benefit from lab-grown organs
The humble bladder is now the world's first bioengineered internal organ to work in people.
- Humans
A Shot against Pandemic Flu: Vaccines would play pivotal role in response
Mass vaccination should be the linchpin of the U.S. response to an influenza pandemic, according to new computer simulations.
- Anthropology
Mystery Drilling: Ancient teeth endured dental procedures
Researchers have discovered the oldest known examples of dental work, 11 teeth with drilled holes dating to between 9,000 and 7,500 years ago.
- Health & Medicine
Polyp Stopper: Controversial drug may prevent colon growths
An anti-inflammatory drug currently prescribed for arthritis and pain can prevent formation of precancerous growths in the colon and rectum.
- Health & Medicine
See Blind Mice: Algae gene makes sightless eyes sense light
Scientists have prompted mouse-eye cells that aren't normally light sensitive to respond to light.
