Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Humans
First rough draft of Neandertal genome released
A rough draft of the Neandertal genome is complete, scientists announced on Darwin’s 200th birthday.
- Health & Medicine
Sequencing virus genome to cure the common cold
The genomes of all known common cold viruses have been sequenced, providing new information on how the different strains are related, how they replicate and how to predict their virulence.
- Health & Medicine
Bigger rewards boost tobacco quit rate
Smokers who are offered several hundred dollars are three times as likely to quit as those offered no reward.
- Humans
For gamblers’ brains, almost counts
In an experiment mimicking slot machines, people’s brains reacted similarly to almost winning as to winning, possibly explaining why gambling can be addictive.
- Health & Medicine
A better test for prostate cancer
Elevated urine concentrations of a compound called sarcosine in men with prostate cancer may signal an aggressive malignancy.
- Psychology
Fatal fallout of financial failure
Using population data, researchers have linked a widespread Asian economic crisis in 1997 to an abrupt increase in suicide rates the following year in hard-hit places.
- Health & Medicine
Postpartum psychosis most likely in month after childbirth
Mothers who develop postpartum psychosis are at greatest risk during the first month after childbirth, and even mothers with no previous history of mental illness could develop the condition
- Health & Medicine
Electronic Records: A Way to Stretch Nurses
Cost savings are perhaps not even the primary benefit of the White House proposal for national electronic medical recordkeeping.
- Earth
California may yet get the first greenhouse gas limits for cars
President Obama decides to revisit a controversial decision made less than a year ago by his predecessor.
- Humans
Women have hormonal cues for baby cuteness
Premenopausal women and women taking oral contraceptives are especially sensitive to the cuteness of babies’ faces, partly thanks to raised levels of reproductive hormones, a new study suggests.
- Life
Molecular link between vitamin D deficiency and MS
Scientists have discovered a molecular link that may help explain why Vitamin D deficiency is associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Humans
Obama’s new directive on energy efficiency
New appliance standards are coming, the president reported today.
