Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Changes in malaria parasite may make Africans more susceptible
Ominous signals are emerging simultaneously in population studies and under the microscope that Plasmodium vivax, a malaria parasite well known in Asia and Latin America, may have found a way to infect Africans.
- Humans
Humans’ music and genes may have evolved together
Music may be a tool scientists can use to trace human migrations.
- Health & Medicine
Old drug, new tricks
Metformin, cheap and widely used for diabetes, takes a swipe at cancer.
- Health & Medicine
Exercise while pregnant may boost baby’s brain
Babies born to moms who exercised during pregnancy showed higher levels of brain maturity.
- Health & Medicine
Nicotine withdrawal linked to specific brain cells in mice
A group of cells within one brain region may control the physical symptoms that plague people trying to kick their cigarette addiction.
- Psychology
Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? A new study purports to answer the question. But can we apply this to how we deliver news? Well, I have good news, and I have bad news.
- Health & Medicine
Prion mutation yields disease marked by diarrhea
Rare prion ailment starts in adulthood, attacking the gut before brain.
- Neuroscience
Another look at paralysis
Robotic suits help paralyzed people move, but simple behavior changes may prevent the accidents that cause the injuries.
- Humans
Bigger numbers, not better brains, smarten human cultures
An experiment using a computer game supports the idea that big populations drove the evolution of complex human cultures.
- Neuroscience
Bacteria may transfer mom’s stress to fetus
Expecting mice under psychological pressure passed different mix of microbes to their pups, affecting the babies’ brains.
- Health & Medicine
Too little noise is bad for newborns in intensive care
Preemies housed in quiet private rooms during a NICU stay may be at risk for language problems.
- Health & Medicine
Marrow transplant for child with leukemia cures allergy
A bone marrow transplant rid one child of his blood cancer and also an immune reaction to peanuts.
