Humans

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Psychology

    Why some gorillas go unseen

    Attention differences help to explain why some people don't notice surprising sights.

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  2. Humans

    Because some foods carry organophosphate residues

    Three new papers link prenatal exposures to organophosphate (OP) pesticides with diminished IQs in children. Fruits and veggies are one continuing source of exposure to these bug killers. As to what we’re supposed to do with that knowledge — well, the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization, offers some guidance.

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  3. Chemistry

    Pesticides tied to lower IQ in children

    Chemicals once sprayed in homes — and still used on farms — were found to have significant effects in three studies.

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  4. Health & Medicine

    Flies on meth burn through sugar

    Cellular effects may explain why addicts often have a sweet tooth.

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  5. Health & Medicine

    Mucus-related gene tied to lung disease

    People with pulmonary fibrosis are much more likely to make excess amounts of a normally beneficial protein, a study finds.

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  6. Health & Medicine

    Experimental Biology 2011 conference

    Even larvae can love the blues, plus distemper’s roots, fat-busting blueberries and more meeting news.

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  7. Life

    Gut bacteria come in three flavors

    Everybody has one of a trio of types — and which one seems to be less important than how the bugs behave.

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  8. Humans

    Killing fields of ancient Syria revealed

    Stone corrals were used to trap whole herds of animals for mass slaughter.

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  9. Anthropology

    American Association of Physical Anthropologists

    Hobbit dentistry, ancient footprints and navigating gibbons in news from the recent physical anthropology meeting.

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  10. Humans

    Possibly pivotal human ancestor debated

    An ancient species that may have sparked the rise of humankind gets a new appraisal.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Body & Brain

    A hidden herpes risk, the rapid effects of a high-fat diet, explaining seniors' early rising and more in this week's news.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    Body’s immune protein fights breast cancer

    A new study clarifies the role of interleukin-25 in stalling malignancy, possibly clearing the way for new drug development.

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