Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Humans
Letters from the December 18 & 25, 2004, issue of Science News
Think fast “Car deaths rise days after terror attacks” (SN: 10/9/04, p. 237: Car deaths rise days after terror attacks) mentions that the traffic volume was reduced following the attacks, yet fails to mention another likely factor in the increased deaths: Less traffic usually results in higher average speeds. Del DietrichSan Jose, Calif. Our sun, […]
- Health & Medicine
Birth Dilemma: Doctors weigh pros and cons of cesareans
Women attempting a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery have more uterine ruptures and other complications than do women undergoing a second cesarean section.
- Health & Medicine
Colon scans reveal heart risk
Virtual colonoscopy may offer the side benefit of identifying heart attacks that are waiting to happen.
- Health & Medicine
Trade Center cough is diagnosed
Obstructions that trap air deep within the lungs may explain certain breathing difficulties among some people who worked at the site of the World Trade Center following Sept. 11, 2001.
- Humans
From the December 8, 1934, issue
Goose barnacles, the formation of elements, and the nature of cosmic rays.
- Health & Medicine
Exploring the Heart
Learn about the human heart at a fascinating online exhibit from the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia. Discover the complexities of the heart’s development and structure. Follow the blood on its journey through the blood vessels. Check out how to keep your heart healthy and how to monitor your heart’s health. Look back at […]
- Humans
Letters from the December 11, 2004, issue of Science News
Mover Earth I would have thought that it is more likely that Earth’s hum creates the weather patterns (“Humming Along: Ocean waves may cause global seismic noise,” SN: 10/2/04, p. 212: Humming Along: Ocean waves may cause global seismic noise) than the other way around. Judy AngelGlasgow, Scotland Nuclear fallout “Hurrying a nuclear identity switch” […]
- Health & Medicine
Stemming Incontinence: Injected muscle cells restore urinary control
Stem cells removed from healthy muscle, grown in a lab, and inserted back into women with urinary incontinence can rebuild a muscle needed to control urine flow.
- Health & Medicine
Smog Clogs Arteries: Pollution does lasting harm to blood vessels
Air pollution does long-term damage to people's arteries, leading to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, a Los Angeles study confirms.
- Archaeology
China’s Fermented Past: Pottery yields signs of oldest known wine
Analyses of ancient pottery have yielded evidence the people living in northern China 9,000 years ago concocted a fermented, winelike drink from rice, honey, and fruit.
- Health & Medicine
Shark Finning Faces Broader Sanctions
Even as the gruesome practice of shark finning faces a broader ban, regulators find challenges in bringing scofflaws to justice.
- Health & Medicine
TB vaccine gets a needed boost
An experimental vaccine against tuberculosis imparts significant immunity, but only in people who have previously received the existing bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine for TB.
