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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Beating addiction: impossible or surprisingly common?
Addiction may be a dysfunctional if temporary coping strategy, clouds may not reduce global warming and other stories from the March 22 issue.
By Eva Emerson - Health & Medicine
Brush kids’ teeth with just a little fluoride toothpaste
The American Dental Association has released new brushing guidelines for infants.
- Health & Medicine
Camels in Saudi Arabia teeming with MERS virus
Three-quarters of animals tested had signs of the MERS virus, which can be deadly in people.
By Beth Mole - Health & Medicine
Acetaminophen use in pregnancy linked to kids’ slightly higher risk of ADHD
A large analysis shows an association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and slightly higher risks of ADHD, but it does not prove the pain reliever causes the disorder.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Urine test detects not pregnancy but cancer
A paper strip uses nanoparticles to pick up evidence of tumors or blood clots in mice.
By Meghan Rosen - Psychology
Beatles reaction puzzles even psychologists
From the February 29, 1964, issue: Psychologists are as puzzled as parents over the explosive effect the Beatles are having on American teen-agers.
- Environment
Legionnaires’ disease bacteria lurk in tap water
Found in nearly half of faucets, contamination could explain sporadic cases of disease.
By Beth Mole - Science & Society
Alternatives needed to do-it-yourself feces swaps
Three researchers are calling for the FDA to regulate feces as a human tissue rather than a drug to make it easier for doctors to perform fecal transplants.
- Archaeology
Fire used regularly for cooking for 300,000 years
Israeli cave yields a fireplace where Stone Age crowd may have cooked up social change.
By Bruce Bower - Psychology
Lend an ear to science
Pop music hit maker Clive Davis knows a catchy song when he hears one. Now an app aims to define that elusive quality more concretely.
- Health & Medicine
Mesh best for hernia repair
Data from nine studies show fewer recurrences than fixes with sutures only.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Highlights from the International Stroke Conference
Clotting risk after pregnancy, driving after a stroke and more presented February 12-14 in San Diego.
By Nathan Seppa