Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Small tweaks prevent 1918-flu transmission
Just a couple of small genetic changes in a pandemic flu virus prevented it from passing efficiently between lab animals.
- Health & Medicine
Orexin-blocking pill speeds sleep onset
A new compound that inhibits the activity of the alertness-promoting brain peptide orexin shows promise as a potential sleeping pill.
- Humans
Letters from the February 17, 2007, issue of Science News
Fear factor In response to “The Predator’s Gaze” (SN: 12/9/06, p. 379), I write as a psychiatrist and a mother. My ex-husband is now in prison, and my son likely carries the genes of sociopathy. The quality of fearlessness mentioned in the article seems to be one of the temperamental traits most associated with the […]
- Health & Medicine
A Trans Fat Substitute Might Have Health Risks Too
A controversial trial of a chemically modified fat called an interesterified fat suggests that it is more harmful than is a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
- Humans
From the February 6, 1937, issue
Cause of floods revealed and bending light to view distant galaxies.
- Humans
More of the Same: 2008’s science budget mirrors 2007’s
President Bush's proposed science budget for fiscal year 2008 closely reflects last year's recommended budget.
- Health & Medicine
Ingredient Shuffle: A trans fat substitute might have risks too
A controversial trial of a chemically modified fat called an interesterified fat suggests that it is more harmful than is a trans fat–rich, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
- Health & Medicine
Fatal Flaw? Antibleeding drug faces new safety questions
The drug commonly used to slow bleeding during heart surgery increases a patient's risk of dying during the next 5 years.
- Humans
Letters from the February 10, 2007, issue of Science News
Grape gripe “A Toast to Healthy Hearts: Wine compounds benefit blood vessels” (SN: 12/2/06, p. 356) leaves us up in the air with this statement: “. . . since the traditional wine-making techniques still in use in southwestern France and Sardinia increase concentrations of polymeric procyanidins, he says, other vintners may soon adopt such methods.” […]
- Health & Medicine
Many babies born short of vitamin D
Even in the womb, babies face a high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
- Health & Medicine
Vice Vaccines
Vaccines currently in development could give people a novel way to kick their addictions and lose weight.
- Humans
From the January 30, 1937, issue
A new atomic gun, an old human skull, and making stronger rayon.
