Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
DNA stores poems, a photo and a speech
The molecule swaps its biological role for a computational one, that of long-term data storage.
- Health & Medicine
Half of U.S. babies may miss on-time vaccinations
Immunization delays place children at risk of contracting preventable diseases.
- Health & Medicine
When hearing goes, mental capacity often follows
Cognitive decline may result from decreased social interaction or diversion of brainpower toward understanding speech.
- Health & Medicine
Brain region associated with selfishness
In three women, damage to basolateral amygdala prompted unusual generosity.
- Humans
Ancient human DNA suggests minimal interbreeding
Genetic analysis indicates Stone Age people mated infrequently with Neandertals and other close relatives.
- Health & Medicine
Flu shot during pregnancy is safe, but flu isn’t
Illness in the mother nearly doubles the risk of a miscarriage or stillbirth in second or third trimester, a new study shows.
- Psychology
Depression gene search disappoints
A comprehensive effort to find links between genetic variants and low mood comes up empty.
- Humans
Cold spells were dark times in Eastern Europe
Cooler periods coincided with conflicts and disease outbreaks, a tree-ring study spanning the last millennium finds.
- Health & Medicine
Fast food linked to asthma risk
A diet high in fast food seems to increase the risk of asthma in young children and adolescents, survey data from more than a half-million people finds.
- Health & Medicine
Newborns’ brains bear signs of adult illnesses
Disease genes associated with reduced volume in certain regions at birth.
- Health & Medicine
Little Mind Benders
Parasites that sneak into the brain may alter your behavior and health.
- Humans
Pruney digits help people get a grip
Finger and toe wrinkling may have evolved as an adaptation to wet conditions.
