Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Life
Huntington’s protein may have a crony
The mutant protein implicated in Huntington’s may rely on a second protein. The finding could help explain why only some neurons are vulnerable to the disease.
- Agriculture
Pesticide may seed American infant formulas with melamine
An insecticide may underlie traces of melamine, a toxic constituent of plastics and other materials, now being found in infant formulas.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Nicotine’s role in SIDS
New study in rats explains how smoke exposure may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
- Humans
Women faring well in academic research
Women appear to almost be reaching parity with men in academic research.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Lab-animal allergies in office workers
Animal allergens may escape the lab.
By Janet Raloff - Animals
Extensive toolkits give chimps a taste of honey
Chimps living in central Africa’s dense forests make and use complex sets of tools to gather honey from beehives, further narrowing the gap between the way humans and chimps use tools.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Pancreatic cancer linked to herbicides
Featured blog: Some weed killers may need to be treated with more respect.
By Janet Raloff - Chemistry
Deadly mushroom toxin exposed
Researchers have isolated and identified a muscle-destroying compound in some mushrooms.
- Life
The case of the disappearing fingerprints
One potential side effect of an anti-cancer drug: identity theft.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
NFL heart profile good, with a caveat
Football players have higher blood pressure on average, new study finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Humans
Hand tools can pose cardiovascular risks
Research homes in on how high frequency vibrations from power tools exert damage to blood vessels in the hands.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Industry attempts to influence medical care
A new survey takes a national look at academic medical researchers' ties to industry and their vulnerability to undue influence.
By Janet Raloff