Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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Health & MedicineStudies shed light on Ebola’s M.O.
New findings reveal a key step in how the deadly virus infects cells — and identify compounds that may thwart it.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansThe world’s oldest profession: chef
The invention of cooking almost 2 million years ago was a central event in human evolution, a new study suggests.
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HumansStress spears deployed service personnel
Supply officers draw as much or more emotional fire as combat soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
By Bruce Bower -
LifeAntidepressants show signs of countering Alzheimer’s
Human brain scans and mice data link serotonin-boosting drugs with reduced plaque density.
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AnthropologyThe Iceman’s last meal: goat
Two decades after he was discovered sticking out of an Alpine glacier, a famous 5,300-year-old mummy’s diet details and hiking habits are revealed.
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HumansHumans
Prehistoric assembly lines, a trigger for riots and more in this week's news
By Science News -
PsychologySpoilers freshen up stories
Giving away the plot may aid, not ruin, story enjoyment.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineBody & Brain
Leukemia gene therapy, the brain tickle of beautiful voices and more in this week's news.
By Science News -
Health & MedicineBlacks far less likely than whites to land NIH grants
Among minority scientists applying for National Institutes of Health research grants, blacks alone face a substantially lower likelihood of being successful than whites, a new study finds. This investigation, which was prompted by the research agency itself, will catalyze further probes and a host of changes, promises NIH director Francis Collins.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineLost in the periphery
The human visual system discards information along the edges, a new study shows.
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HumansAncient Saharan head cases
Skulls from a North African civilization provide glimpses of what may be early cranial surgery.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineCigarettes cause half of bladder cancers in women
People who smoke are four times as likely to develop the malignancy as people who never smoked, a study finds.
By Nathan Seppa