Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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HumansFrom the September 29, 1934, issue
Structural details of chromosomes, America's Cup yacht technology, and an improved street car.
By Science News -
HumansSkeptical Brains
At the Web site of the McDonnell Foundation, a private funder of scientific research, peruse examples of recent media misinterpretations of brain studies—as chosen by foundation staffers—at a page titled “BAD Neuro-Journalism.” Go to: http://www.jsmf.org/about/s/badneuro/index.htm
By Science News -
Health & MedicineCoffee’s curious heart effects
Very high or low daily consumption of coffee appears to pose far more of a heart risk than drinking moderately.
By Janet Raloff -
AnthropologyAncient head case
A 1.8-million-year-old Homo erectus skullcap came from a 1-year-old child whose brain grew at a rate more like that of chimpanzees than of people.
By Bruce Bower -
ArchaeologyOriginal Microbrews
Pots, vats, and other artifacts unearthed on three continents are giving archaeologists new clues about ancient cultures' beer-brewing practices.
By Carrie Lock -
Health & MedicineOmega-3’s May Hit Food Labels
The Food and Drug Administration has announced that it will allow manufacturers to make certain health claims about omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and other foods.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansFrom the September 22, 1934, issue
Giant ocean liner ready for launch, synthetic vitamin C produces unexpected cures, and systematic problem solving in chimpanzees.
By Science News -
HumansQuick Flicks
The BrainPOP Web site boasts more than 200 animated movies with accompanying comics and activities that answer students’ questions about science, math, health, and technology. A host of characters explains tough concepts in an interesting and humorous way. Unfortunately, visitors to the site can view only two movies per day for free. A subscription to […]
By Science News -
Health & MedicineWalking Away from Dementia: Moderate exercise protects aging minds
Two fresh studies strengthen the case that physical activity, including walking at a moderate pace, protects the aging brain from cognitive decline and dementia.
By Ben Harder -
Health & MedicineSleep on It: Fitful slumber tied to diabetes risk
Disturbed slumber, or sleep apnea, appears to make people more susceptible to certain conditions that lead to diabetes.
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HumansLetters from the September 25, 2004, issue of Science News
More of less is more The counterintuitive finding that atrazine is more likely to kill tadpoles when it is highly diluted (“Just a Tad Is Too Much: Less is worse for tadpoles exposed to chemicals,” SN: 7/10/04, p. 20: Just a Tad Is Too Much: Less is worse for tadpoles exposed to chemicals) reminds me […]
By Science News -
HumansRembrandt’s eye saw no depth
The 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt lacked stereoscopic vision, an optical analysis of his self-portraits suggests.
By Ben Harder