Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Science & Society
Cancer drug came from traditional Chinese medicine
Researchers looked to traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment clues 50 years ago. Today, synthetic versions treat a variety of cancers.
- Paleontology
Humans may have taken different path into Americas than thought
An ice-free corridor through the North American Arctic may have been too barren to support the first human migrations into the New World.
- Anthropology
Notorious ‘ape-man’ fossil hoax pinned on one wrongdoer
New Piltdown Man study pegs infamous ‘ape-man’ skull forgery on one well-informed culprit.
- Neuroscience
Aging-related protein may play role in depression
Mouse study reveals link between aging protein and depression.
- Neuroscience
‘Neural dust’ can listen to body’s electrical signals
Tiny crystals can detect electrical signals in nerves and muscles of rats.
- Science & Society
FDA OKs first GM mosquito trial in U.S. but hurdles remain
The FDA has concluded that test releases of Oxitec GM mosquitoes on a Florida key poses no significant problem for the environment, but local officials still have to agree
- Earth
China’s mythical ‘Great Flood’ possibly rooted in real disaster
Folktales of an ancient flood that helped kick off Chinese civilization may reference a nearly 4,000-year-old deluge.
- Health & Medicine
Zika vaccines work in rhesus monkeys
Three vaccines can protect rhesus monkeys from infection with Zika. One of them fended off viral strains from both Brazil and Puerto Rico.
- Neuroscience
Red blood cells sense low oxygen in the brain
Red blood cells sense low oxygen and speed to the scene, a new study suggests.
- Anthropology
Oldest evidence of cancer in human family tree found
Bony growths on fossils may push origins of this disease way back in the Stone Age.
- Health & Medicine
Zika-carrying mosquitoes eluding control efforts in Miami
Florida adds 10 new cases of locally acquired Zika infection, prompting the CDC to issue travel warning for pregnant women. Mosquitoes in Miami may be resistant to insecticides.
- Health & Medicine
Mosquitoes in Florida now spreading Zika virus, health officials warn
Florida adds 10 new cases of locally acquired Zika infection, prompting the CDC to issue travel warning for pregnant women. Mosquitoes in Miami may be resistant to insecticides.
