Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Humans
Rapid emotional swings could precede violence
A tool from physics helps link the patterns of psychiatric patients’ symptoms and the likelihood they will commit violent acts.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
To limit sweet indulgences, chew, chew, chew
A new study suggests chewing gum might serve as a potential diet aid.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Counterintuitive nutrition findings
Sometimes data don't confirm what we expected.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
A urine test may predict lung cancer risk
A urine test that reveals levels of two tobacco-related compounds may identify which smokers are most prone to developing lung cancer, a new study finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Climate
EPA says greenhouse gases ‘endanger’ health
Featured blog: New ruling is a likely first step toward federal moves to cut tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide and more.
By Janet Raloff - Humans
Naps may help infants form abstract memories
Napping critically assists 15-month-olds in remembering the underlying structure of the language adults speak to them, a new study indicates.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Certain carbs boost fat burning
Smarter breakfasting will help boost the value of exercise.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Seemingly misplaced DNA acts as lenses
Nocturnal animals orient DNA in retinal cells to focus light.
- Health & Medicine
Epilepsy drug might harm fetuses
Young children born to women who took the drug valproate for epilepsy during pregnancy have lower IQ scores, on average, than children whose moms used a different antiepilepsy medication.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Hypoglycemia linked to dementia
Episodes of low blood sugar that require medical attention seem to increase a person’s risk of developing dementia in old age, a study in people with type 2 diabetes shows.
By Nathan Seppa - Humans
An ancient remedy: Bitter herbs and sweet wine
New chemical analyses of wine jars suggest that ancient Egyptians mixed medicinal plants into wine.
- Humans
In teeth, more cracks are better than one
Cracks in tooth enamel, called tufts, distribute force and shield a tooth from fracture, researchers report.