All Stories by Laura Sanders
- Humans
For gamblers’ brains, almost counts
In an experiment mimicking slot machines, people’s brains reacted similarly to almost winning as to winning, possibly explaining why gambling can be addictive.
- Life
Vertebrates, perhaps even humans, share teeth genes
Researchers have uncovered what may be a shared genetic toolkit for teeth, one common among vertebrates and mammals, including humans
- Genetics
Dog gene heeds call of the wild
Domesticated dogs passed a gene for dark fur color to their wild cousins.
- Health & Medicine
Fingerprints filter the vibrations fingers feel
A new robotics study suggests that the ridges select the right frequencies for light touch
- Health & Medicine
I feel your pain, even though I can’t feel mine
A new imaging study looks at how people are able to empathize with others, even when they haven’t experienced something firsthand.
- Health & Medicine
Possible anticancer power in fasting every other day
When mice ate as important as what they ate in reducing cell division linked to cancer, new study reports.
- Life
As cells age, the nucleus lets the bad guys in
A study tracks a growing 'leakiness' in the membrane of the cell nucleus that could contribute to aging and even to diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
- Humans
Gamers crave control and competence, not carnage
Study turns belief commonly held by video game industry, gamers, on its head.
- Life
For worms, one gene can change survival behavior
Natural differences in a single gene cause worms to either eat or avoid harmful bacteria.
- Life
Love song of the dengue vector mosquito
Male and female mosquitoes harmonize pitch when in the mood.
- Health & Medicine
Bone-growth drugs may increase jaw disease risk
New study finds link between common drug and jawbone death.
- Health & Medicine
Fewer dopamine receptors makes for risky business
Brain-scanning study in people sees link between personality, dopamine system.
