Humans

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Humans

    Letters from the May 7, 2005, issue of Science News

    Clearer yet “Weighing In on a Star: A stellar size limit” (SN: 3/12/05, p. 164) includes three images of the Arches cluster near the center of the Milky Way, each taken with a different telescope. I’d be interested to know what the three telescopes are. John McKeeBrunswick, Maine In the trio of progressively sharper (left […]

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  2. Health & Medicine

    Anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol drugs vs. cancer

    Cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially when combined with anti-inflammatory medication, may inhibit some cancers.

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  3. Health & Medicine

    Calcium’s lingering effect slows growths

    Calcium supplements' protective effect against colorectal cancer lasts years after a person stops taking the pills.

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  4. Health & Medicine

    Anti-inflammatories cut risk of mouth cancer

    Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can reduce a smoker's likelihood of developing mouth cancer.

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  5. Health & Medicine

    Marijuana ingredient slows artery hardening

    Low doses of the chemical that causes marijuana's high can slow the progression of atherosclerosis.

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  6. Humans

    Change of fuel could extend lives in Africa

    By switching from biofuels such as wood and charcoal to kerosene or other fossil fuels, people in many parts of Africa could significantly trim indoor air pollution, thereby delaying millions of premature deaths from pulmonary disease over the next 25 years.

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  7. Health & Medicine

    Surgical risk from painkiller may be brief

    A new study suggests that patients might safely use painkillers such as ibuprofen up to 24 hours before surgery.

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  8. Health & Medicine

    Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency

    Most adults don't get the recommended daily amount of vitamin D, and obesity may be a contributing factor.

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  9. Humans

    Letters from the April 30, 2005, issue of Science News

    Supplemental information Vitamin E Loses Luster: Nutrient tests show disappointing results” (SN: 3/19/05, p. 182) is the fourth time I’ve seen a report that vitamin E may not be appropriate for elderly people at cardiac risk. Detailed statistics are always given, but one fact is always omitted: what type of vitamin E was used in […]

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  10. Humans

    From the April 27, 1935, issue

    An artificial lightning bolt, predicting life spans, and a new, nonmagnetic ship.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Neuron Savers: Gene therapy slows Alzheimer’s disease

    Putting extra copies of the gene for a cellular growth factor into the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease appears to slow the degenerative condition.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    Zinc boosts kids’ learning

    Zinc fortification improved mental skills in children with normal healthy diets, suggesting that the recommended intake for this mineral may need to be raised.

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