Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
SARS Control: First nasal vaccine effective in monkeys
An experimental SARS vaccine, tested in monkeys, can be administered directly to the respiratory tract and requires only a single dose to confer immunity.
- Health & Medicine
Celiac disease affects kids’ minds
Attention deficits and learning disabilities have joined the list of neurological problems associated with the intestinal disorder known as celiac disease.
- Humans
Letters from the July 3, 2004, issue of Science News
Whale, of an annoyance In “Din among the Orcas: Are whale watchers making too much noise?” (SN: 5/1/04, p. 275: Din among the Orcas: Are whale watchers making too much noise?), Rus Hoelzel states, “One thing I want to make clear is that I think whale watching is a good thing.” He then states that […]
- Health & Medicine
Cancer with a Twist: Protein instrumental in breast-cancer metastasis
A protein called Twist, which orchestrates gene activity in cells, facilitates the spread of some breast cancers.
- Anthropology
Stone Age Ear for Speech: Ancient finds sound off on roots of language
Ancestors of Neandertals that lived at least 350,000 years ago heard the same range of sounds that people today do, suggesting that the ability to speak arose early in the Stone Age.
- Humans
From the June 23, 1934, issue
Young desert hawks in their nest, properties of newly found element 93, and the effect of high pressure on phosphorus.
- Humans
Letters from the June 26, 2004, issue of Science News
Theory and practice Like physicists, mathematicians have always been divided into theorists and experimentalists (“Math Lab: Computer experiments are transforming mathematics,” SN: 4/24/04, p. 266: Math Lab). And, as with the physicists, the two groups of mathematicians have not gotten along very well. Still, in physics, there has always been an understanding that both groups […]
- Health & Medicine
Fish toxin stops cancer pain
An experimental drug fashioned from the toxin of the puffer fish can suppress pain in cancer patients.
- Health & Medicine
New diabetes drug passes early tests
The drug exenatide stabilizes and can reduce blood sugar in diabetes patients.
- Humans
From the June 16, 1934, issue
Fanciful creations of the photographer's art, the possible addition of element 93 to the periodic table, and a Triceratops skull on display.
- Health & Medicine
Better Form, Same Function: Liposuction doesn’t lessen health risks
Liposuction doesn't improve the long-term health prospects of very obese people.
- Humans
Letters from the June 19, 2004, issue of Science News
Scan or scam? Using laser technology that has an apparent resolution of only about half a centimeter is somewhat laughable (“Laser scanners map rock art,” SN: 4/3/04, p. 222: Laser scanners map rock art). I also wondered whether the “fresh coat of desert varnish” was an April fool joke. Actually, I really look forward to […]
