Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Still Hungry?
New research indicates that diet and lifestyle can affect the body's production of a hunger hormone in ways that might unwittingly foster overeating.
- Humans
Letters from the April 2, 2005, issue of Science News
Zoom in, drop out On reading the interesting research on droplets (“Dial-a-Splash: Thin air quells liquid splatter,” SN: 2/12/05, p. 99), I noticed that the two droplets shown in the photos at the moment of first contact have different shapes. In air at normal pressure, the droplet has the characteristic hamburger-bun shape. In contrast, the […]
- Humans
From the March 23, 1935, issue
Darwin's favorite plant is re-studied, rare hydrogen isotope is extracted from water, and need for strong lighting is questioned.
- Health & Medicine
Plants take bite out of deadly snake venoms
A Nigerian pharmacologist has found in local plants a potential antidote to some of the world's most deadly snake venoms.
- Health & Medicine
Flame retardants spark new concern
Breakdown products in brominated flame retardants, traces of which circulate in the blood of most people, may perturb the normal production of reproductive hormones, a new test-tube study suggests.
- Humans
Letters from the March 26, 2005, issue of Science News
Sleeper issue “Goodnight moon, hello Mom and Dad” (SN: 1/22/05, p. 61) attributes behaviors of earlier bedtime, longer sleeping, and earlier weaning to “greater personal independence” in children who sleep alone. It is equally possible that these behaviors are due to something else. Research predicting which children and families will benefit from co-sleeping or alone […]
- Health & Medicine
Fowl News—Food Additive’s Extra Benefit
Turkeys and people may both reap unusual benefits from diets supplemented with a preservative originally used to keep foods from going stale.
- Health & Medicine
New protease inhibitor looks promising
An antiretroviral drug under development may work in patients for whom existing drugs fall short.
- Humans
From the March 16, 1935, issue
A Russian institute celebrates an anniversary, a new instrument measures both heat and humidity, and early speculations about antimatter.
- Humans
Letters from the March 19, 2005, issue of Science News
Chew on this As an occasional betel nut chewer, I note that the report “Palm-Nut Problem” (SN: 1/15/05, p. 43) doesn’t touch on possible positive aspects of the habit. Chewing sapari (coarsely powdered, sweetened, and clove-flavored areca nut) at the end of a meal leads to a sense of satisfaction and well-being, induces salivation, and […]
- Health & Medicine
Vitamin E Loses Luster: Nutrient tests show disappointing results
In people who have a history of heart disease or diabetes, vitamin E supplements don't improve overall health and might even boost heart-failure risk.
- Humans
Student Scientists to Watch: With diverse ideas, young talents win big in annual competition
With science projects by 40 of the nation's brightest high school students arrayed before them last week, judges had the task of weighing the merits of undertakings as diverse as the study of deep-sea volcanism and the development of a promising new antibiotic.
