Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Earth
Stature’s heightened risk of cancer
My daughter is always shopping for 4-inch heels or other elevating footwear to make her appear taller. But a new study suggests that diminutive stature has at least one major perk: a lower risk of cancer.
- Humans
Financial world dominated by a few deep pockets
Analysis suggests a small number of firms control a big share of global wealth.
- Tech
Growing need for space trash collectors
On April 2, for the fifth time in less than three years, the International Space Station fired its engines to dodge a piece of orbital debris that appeared on a collision path. Other spacecraft also regularly scoot out of the way of rocket and satellite debris. Such evasive action will be needed increasingly frequently, a new study finds.
- Humans
Big fish return to Mexican marine park
Most effects of overharvesting reversed within a decade.
- Psychology
Moms talk, daughters’ hormones listen
A familiar voice, but not instant messaging, may trigger a kind of hormonal reassurance in girls.
- Tech
Sparing the rare earths
Potential shortages of useful metals inspire scientists to seek alternatives for magnet technologies
- Tech
Computers get under our skin
Epidermal devices offer new potential to integrate electronics into the body.
- Health & Medicine
New in Brief: Body & Brain
Second-guessing cancer treatments, a boyish side to soy and more in this week's news.
- Life
Rare gene variants linked to ADHD
Missing or added genes cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other disorders, such as autism.
- Health & Medicine
Sleep apnea tied to later dementia
Elderly women who have gaps in their breathing at night have a heightened risk of developing cognitive problems, a study finds.
- Humans
Bag lunches invite disease, study finds
“Sack” lunches often pose a ticking bacterial bomb, a new study indicates. And including an ice pack or two — ostensibly to keep perishables at safe temperatures — won’t necessarily eliminate the risk.
- Life
Common virus may ride up nose to brain
Almost everyone is infected, but in some people a widespread herpes bug appears to reach the central nervous system by an olfactory route.
