Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Humans
From the May 4, 1935, issue
New National Academy of Sciences president, discovery of element 93 confirmed, and brains studies involving a monkey swinging on a trapeze.
- Archaeology
Cuneiform Tablets
This Web exhibit from the Library of Congress displays 38 ancient clay tablets and other artifacts that feature the ancient form of writing known as cuneiform. The items include various accounting records (receipts and bills of sale) and school exercises. Go to: http://international.loc.gov/intldl/cuneihtml/
- Archaeology
Ancient Mariners: Caves harbor view of early Egyptian sailors
Archaeologists working near the Red Sea have discovered remains of an Egyptian port that emerged around 4,000 years ago, including two caves used by mariners for storage and for religious ceremonies.
- Health & Medicine
Microwavable Cancers: Heat plus radiation shrinks some tumors
Heat along with radiation treatment shrinks some tumors faster than does radiation alone.
- Health & Medicine
Bread and Chocolate, No Longer D-Minimus
Heavy fortification of foods with vitamin D offers one way to overcome chronic deficiencies of the nutrient among many people and can even help build bone.
- Humans
Letters from the May 7, 2005, issue of Science News
Clearer yet “Weighing In on a Star: A stellar size limit” (SN: 3/12/05, p. 164) includes three images of the Arches cluster near the center of the Milky Way, each taken with a different telescope. I’d be interested to know what the three telescopes are. John McKeeBrunswick, Maine In the trio of progressively sharper (left […]
- Health & Medicine
Anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol drugs vs. cancer
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially when combined with anti-inflammatory medication, may inhibit some cancers.
- Health & Medicine
Calcium’s lingering effect slows growths
Calcium supplements' protective effect against colorectal cancer lasts years after a person stops taking the pills.
- Health & Medicine
Anti-inflammatories cut risk of mouth cancer
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can reduce a smoker's likelihood of developing mouth cancer.
- Health & Medicine
Marijuana ingredient slows artery hardening
Low doses of the chemical that causes marijuana's high can slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
- Humans
Change of fuel could extend lives in Africa
By switching from biofuels such as wood and charcoal to kerosene or other fossil fuels, people in many parts of Africa could significantly trim indoor air pollution, thereby delaying millions of premature deaths from pulmonary disease over the next 25 years.
- Health & Medicine
Surgical risk from painkiller may be brief
A new study suggests that patients might safely use painkillers such as ibuprofen up to 24 hours before surgery.
