Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
MS milder when patients begin with higher vitamin D levels
Multiple sclerosis patients with low concentrations of vitamin D early in their disease have more nerve damage several years later.
- Psychology
The addiction paradox
Addiction is often seen as a chronic disease that requires maintenance treatment even after years of sobriety. But even without help, most addicts eventually can quit for good.
- Health & Medicine
Casinos may reduce poverty, obesity in Native American communities
A modest reduction in overweight youth was observed after the addition of slot machines.
- Health & Medicine
Meaty diets may raise risk of dying young
Reducing protein consumption can lengthen life and improve health, studies in mice and people suggest.
- Health & Medicine
HPV vaccination proves its worth in Australia
A study in Australia finds the shots are already reducing cases of abnormal cervical lesions.
- Health & Medicine
Should you hush that white noise?
Some sleep machines can pump out a dangerous amount of noise, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used safely.
- Health & Medicine
Gaming-type setup relieves phantom limb pain
The treatment reduced one patient’s pain entirely for periods of time and helped him sleep without being awoken by pain.
- Health & Medicine
Bereavement can take toll on health, not just emotions
In the month after a partner dies, spouse more prone to heart attack, stroke.
- Psychology
Suicide rates drop in big cities
With more social connections, people may be less inclined to take their own lives.
- Anthropology
Human ancestors at West Asian site deemed two species
Researchers see two species instead of one at oldest known Homo site outside Africa.
- Health & Medicine
Experimental drug no Methuselah formula
Compound lets mice live healthier lives but doesn't extend life span.
- Health & Medicine
Experimental vaccines protect children from hand, foot and mouth disease
Shots prevented cases resulting from enterovirus 71.
