Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 […]
- 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.
- Health & Medicine
Cell transplants stop diabetes in some patients
Islet cell transplants can reverse diabetes in some patients.
- 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.
- Health & Medicine
Compound in salsa kills off Salmonella
Cilantro, one of the key ingredients of salsa, harbors an antibacterial compound that attacks Salmonella bacteria.
- 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.
- 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.
- Health & Medicine
Tea and a Daughter’s Puberty
The age at which a girl first starts her monthly menstrual periods is later among daughters of tea drinkers than among daughters of moms who typically choose coffee or another beverage.
