Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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HumansOn Science & the Fearsome OMB
President Obama has directed federal budget masters to put public interests first when they review proposed regulations.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineNeedles can stick it to pain
Acupuncture lessens pain, but so do needles randomly stuck in the skin, a new analysis shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
ChemistryNonstick chemicals linked to infertility
Featured blog: Infertility doubled in women who had high concentrations of commercially produced nonstick chemicals polluting their blood.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineChocolate may have arrived early to U.S. Southwest
A new study suggests that people in America’s Southwest were making cacao beverages as early as A.D. 1000.
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HumansWhen dreams come true
People see hidden truths in their dreams and use dreams to guide waking attitudes and behaviors, especially when dream content supports pre-existing beliefs, researchers say.
By Bruce Bower -
HumansThe Dating Go Round
Speed dating offers scientists a peek at how romance actually blossoms.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineExcess blood sugar could harm cognition
Chronically high blood sugar levels in elderly people with diabetes seem to contribute to worsened cognitive function, a study shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineParenting shapes genetic risk for drug use
A three-year study of black teens in rural Georgia finds that involved, supportive parenting powerfully buffers the tendency of some genetically predisposed youngsters to use drugs.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineFingerprints filter the vibrations fingers feel
A new robotics study suggests that the ridges select the right frequencies for light touch
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Earth‘Science fraud’ alleged in urban lead incident
Virginia engineer charges data were buried or manipulated to hide the lead-poisoning implications to children of water contamination in the nation's capital.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineDonating a kidney doesn’t hurt long-term health
A survey of donors since the 1960s finds survival rates on par with the general population.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansYoung scientists clear hurdle in national competition
Intel Science Talent Search finalists announced.