Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- Health & Medicine
Five California children have polio-like symptoms
At least five, and possibly as many as 25, children in California have experienced poliolike symptoms, including paralysis of limbs and breathing problems, since 2012. Scientists are not yet sure what is causing the emerging disease.
- Health & Medicine
Rabbit heart gets full electrode jacket
A silicon jacket makes it possible for scientists to place sensors on specific areas of the heart without glue or stitches and could one day be used for diagnosing and treating human heart diseases.
- Anthropology
Cancer proposed as spur for evolution of dark-skinned ancestors
Fatal ailments might have sparked DNA changes that yielded dark skin in human ancestors.
- Environment
Handling receipts increases exposure to BPA
People who handle cash register receipts printed on thermal paper show notable exposure to bisphenol A.
