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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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Science & SocietyReaders debate gun violence research and more
Gun violence research, plaque-busting sugar and more in reader feedback.
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Science & SocietyEmpathy for animals is all about us
We extend our feelings to what we think animals are feeling. Often, we’re wrong. But anthropomorphizing isn’t about them. It’s about us.
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Health & MedicineThis week in Zika: vaccine progress, infection insights
Vaccine candidates for Zika virus take a step forward, birth defects span spectrum of problems and doubts about Zika’s link to microcephaly may be extinguished by new reports from Colombia.
By Meghan Rosen -
Health & MedicineVaccines could counter addictive opioids
Scientists turn to vaccines to curb the growing opioid epidemic.
By Susan Gaidos -
Health & MedicineTight spaces cause spreading cancer cells to divide improperly
Researchers are using rolled-up transparent nanomembranes to mimic tiny blood vessels and study how cancer cells divide in these tight spaces.
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ArchaeologyAncient Europeans may have been first wine makers
A new chemical analysis uncovers the earliest known wine making in Europe.
By Bruce Bower -
PsychologyMoral dilemma could put brakes on driverless cars
Driverless cars race into a moral conflict over saving passengers or pedestrians.
By Bruce Bower -
PsychologyNew studies explore why ordinary people turn terrorist
New studies are examining the "will to fight" in ISIS soldiers and their opponents.
By Bruce Bower -
LifeNew species of bacteria found to cause Lyme disease
Camping? Don’t forget the bug spray. Lyme disease covers new ground.
By Laura Beil -
Science & SocietyTough gun laws in Australia eliminate mass shootings
Following the 1996 implementation of strict gun control laws in Australia, the country has not experienced any mass shootings.
By Meghan Rosen -
NeuroscienceNewborn brain has to learn how to feed itself
Nerve cells in newborn mice can’t yet feed themselves.
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Health & MedicineIn malaria battle, indoor bug spraying has unintended consequence
Years of spraying indoors may inadvertently have push malaria-spreading mosquitoes to venture outdoors for a bite.
By Susan Milius