Humans

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Humans

    Science gets a start on the space station

    Although the space station's main laboratories have yet to be launched, scientists are already using nooks and crannies in the existing structure to conduct experiments in biotechnology and physics.

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  2. Health & Medicine

    Lithium increases gray matter in the brain

    Used for decades to treat manic depression, lithium may stimulate the production of new brain cells, thus raising hope that it can treat strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions that kill brain cells.

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  3. Archaeology

    Massive Fishery Resurfaces in Amazon

    Native groups in an Amazonian region of Bolivia built a large-scale fishery and other earthworks at least 300 years ago, before the Spanish conquest.

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  4. Humans

    From the June 16, 1934, issue

    Fanciful creations of the photographer's art, the possible addition of element 93 to the periodic table, and a Triceratops skull on display.

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  5. Health & Medicine

    Better Form, Same Function: Liposuction doesn’t lessen health risks

    Liposuction doesn't improve the long-term health prospects of very obese people.

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  6. Humans

    Letters from the June 19, 2004, issue of Science News

    Scan or scam? Using laser technology that has an apparent resolution of only about half a centimeter is somewhat laughable (“Laser scanners map rock art,” SN: 4/3/04, p. 222: Laser scanners map rock art). I also wondered whether the “fresh coat of desert varnish” was an April fool joke. Actually, I really look forward to […]

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  7. Health & Medicine

    Blocking an enzyme combats disease

    By blocking an enzyme that breaks down a beneficial compound in the body, researchers are able to help diabetes patients control their blood sugar.

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  8. Health & Medicine

    Cell transplants stop diabetes in some patients

    Islet cell transplants can reverse diabetes in some patients.

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  9. Health & Medicine

    Tackling stroke and heart risks

    Lowering cholesterol in diabetes patients lessens their risk of heart attack or stroke, even when their initial cholesterol was in the normal range.

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  10. Health & Medicine

    Compound in salsa kills off Salmonella

    Cilantro, one of the key ingredients of salsa, harbors an antibacterial compound that attacks Salmonella bacteria.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Hepatitis C drugs are less effective in black patients

    A standard drug combination for hepatitis C is less likely to knock out the virus in blacks than in whites.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    Narcolepsy Science Reawakens

    Recent advances in understanding the biological underpinnings of narcolepsy have created a new diagnostic tool and point toward possible future therapies.

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