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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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Health & MedicineMen line up for circumcision in Africa
But demand for the operation, shown to guard against HIV and other infections, exceeds availability.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansCNN downsizes science team
The move and timing for greatly restructuring science-and-environment coverage at the nation's all-news cable giant are perplexing.
By Janet Raloff -
HumansReal News: An Endangered Species
Forget Black Monday. What will happen now that it's beome a Black Year for news reporters at papers and other conventional media?
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineFine-scale structure of egg crucial for fertility
Scientists describe the shape of a protein required for conception. These new molecular details will lead to an improved understanding of how sperm and egg unite.
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EarthToxicologist to Become an NIH Director
A new director — equal parts scientist and communicator — will take over environmental-health agency.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineProtein found to set the heart’s cadence
Researchers have discovered a molecular metronome that sets the rhythm of the heart and blood pressure.
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ChemistryNanosilver disinfects — but at what price?
Silver demonstrates some unusual immunological impacts at the nanoscale.
By Janet Raloff -
MathFlorence Nightingale: The passionate statistician
Florence Nightingale pioneered the use of applied statistics to develop policy and developed novel ways of displaying them.
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EarthMarine pollution spawns ‘wonky babies’
Featured blog: Pollutants at sea can slow critters' sperm or induce DNA damage.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineBone density may be determined in the gut
A surprising new connection between the gut and bones may lead to new forms of treatment for human bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
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Health & MedicineLifestyle may link depression and heart disease
The association between depression and heart problems could stem from a lack of physical activity and other lifestyle factors.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansBaby boys may show spatial supremacy
Two new studies suggest that, at 3 to 5 months of age, boys already outperform girls on mental rotation tasks.
By Bruce Bower