Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
All Roads Lead to RUNX
Genetic mutations that predispose some people to the autoimmune diseases lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis appear to have a common molecular feature: They derail the work of a protein, called RUNX1, that regulates how active certain genes are.
- Humans
Letters from the April 3, 2004, issue of Science News
Lack of data? Something jumped out at me from “Telltale Charts: Is anticipating heart disease as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4?” (SN: 1/31/04, p. 72: Telltale Charts). It’s that there were no published data supporting the 50 percent rule taught for years in medical schools. I think this speaks volumes about science and medicine […]
- Health & Medicine
Fishy Advice—Which Tuna Is Best for You?
Canned light tuna is a good choice for people who want to lower their intake of mercury.
- Humans
From the March 24, 1934, issue
A meteorite photo, the discovery of triple-weight hydrogen (tritium), and a new mirror for movie production.
- Health & Medicine
Surgical Option: Hysterectomy may top drugs for women with heavy bleeding
Women who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and fail to improve on a hormone-based drug fare better if they choose hysterectomy rather than a regimen of other drugs.
- Anthropology
Evolution’s Lost Bite: Gene change tied to ancestral brain gains
In a controversial new report, a research team proposes that an inactivating gene mutation unique to people emerged around 2.4 million years ago and, by decreasing the size of jaw muscles, set the stage for brain expansion in our direct ancestors.
- Humans
Letters from the March 27, 2004, issue of Science News
Nobody’s board The article “Danger on Deck?” (SN: 1/31/04, p. 74: Danger on Deck?), or at least part of it, could have been titled “Danger on Dock” or maybe “Danger under Dock.” After reading about how chromated-copper arsenate (CCA) is leached from the wood, I began wondering how it affects aquatic organisms. Many fish, especially […]
- Archaeology
Reconstructing ancient drinking habits
A new technique involving the analysis of residue from pottery jars can discern the color of wine consumed by ancient Egyptians.
- Health & Medicine
Bug bites suggest new stroke drug
Changing a human enzyme so that it resembles one from blood-sucking insects may lead to a new treatment for strokes.
- Health & Medicine
Is ‘drink plenty of fluids’ good advice?
Definitive studies need to determine whether increasing fluid intake during respiratory infections is really a good idea, says a team of researchers.
- Humans
From the March 17, 1934, issue
An African snake handler, the speed of lightning, and the emptiness of nebulae.
- Health & Medicine
Suspected Carcinogen Speeds Through People’s Bodies
A commonly used but potentially carcinogenic flavoring compound stays in people's bodies only briefly.
