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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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TechSome comfort about broken CFLs
My night-owl daughter woke me in a panic at around 2 a.m., a couple of weeks back. While swatting at a fly, she’d just broken the compact fluorescent light illuminating her closet. Having heard me warn endlessly of how we should be careful in handling these bulbs — since they contain mercury — she wanted to know what kind of damage control was called for. I only wish I knew then what I do now.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansHumans
Seeking solace in warmth, plus the risks of payday and the impulsive brain in this week’s news.
By Science News -
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Health & MedicineThe Power of D
Sunshine vitamin’s potential health benefits stir up, split scientists.
By Nathan Seppa -
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Health & MedicineBody & Brain
The right speed for a caress, plus the punny brain, rocking babies and more in this week’s news.
By Science News -
PsychologySleeping babies learn in an eyeblink
To learn about spoken words and other sounds, 1-month-old babies sleep on it.
By Bruce Bower -
HumansAAAS board defends climate scientists
“AAAS vigorously opposes attacks on researchers that question their personal and professional integrity or threaten their safety based on displeasure with their scientific conclusions.” This declaration was contained in a 400-word denunciation of attacks on climate scientists and the politicization of climate science that was issued June 29 by the organization's board of directors.
By Janet Raloff -
LifeAlzheimer’s plaques due to purging flaw
A gene controls the clearance of a protein that accumulates in the brains of people with the condition.
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HumansHumans
Practice alone doesn’t make perfect, plus healing from genocide and a baby’s-eye view of failure in this week’s news.
By Science News -
EarthBPA makes male mice less macho
Studies show that exposures in the womb or during adolescence can erase masculine habits or reverse sexes' behavior.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineBright minds tackle global health
Nobel laureates, young scientists meet in Germany to exchange ideas for fighting disease.