Humans

Humans

Treaty Nears on Gene-Altered Exports

In an effort to help preserve biodiversity, negotiators from 130 nations crafted rules of conduct for international trade in living, genetically engineered organisms.

Health & Medicine

Diet Pills: It’s Still Buyer Beware

With some half of the adult U.S. population overweight–many individuals severely so–is it any wonder that the fastest growing segment of the dietary supplement industry is weight-loss aids? Since 1997, sales of diet pills and related supplements have been increasing 10 to 20 percent annually to the point where last year they reached $2 billion. […]

Health & Medicine

New Antidote to Botulism: Drug neutralizes toxin in mouse tests

An experimental drug disables deadly botulism toxin much better than current treatment does.

Health & Medicine

Fullness Factor: Gut hormone tells brain the stomach is well fed

A hormone produced by the intestines could be the primary satiety signal sent to the brain.

Health & Medicine

Ulcer bug linked to stroke

Potent strains of an ulcer-causing bacterium may also trigger strokes.

Health & Medicine

Lab tool may spawn new antiviral drugs

Short strands of RNA can be used to stop viruses such as HIV.

Health & Medicine

Breast-feeding has protective bonus

Breast-feeding appears to help ward off breast cancer.

Humans

From the August 6, 1932, issue

WEIRD STINK-BUG PARENTS PRODUCE CURIOUS EGGS “Like parent, like child,” is one of the oldest and best-known folk-proverbs. It holds outside the human realm, too. For instance, the pair of stink-bugs which Cornelia Clarke’s magnifying camera lens caught for the cover of this issue of the Science News Letter are weird enough little monsters, in […]

Health & Medicine

Obesity and Genetics

Studies show that genes are a significant factor in developing obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide an online guide to the problem of obesity and insights into current research on the genetics of obesity. Go to: http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/training/perspectives/obesity.htm

Health & Medicine

Surprise! Obesity (and Inactivity) Can Spur Cancers

Some 60 percent of U.S. adults say they’re worried at the prospect of developing cancer, yet only 6 percent recognize that being overweight is a leading predisposing factor. That’s one finding from a June survey, commissioned by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. The survey was unveiled on July 11 at a […]

Health & Medicine

Retina Rescue: Adult stem cells form blood vessels in the eye

Stem cells derived from bone marrow can grow into new blood vessels in the eyes of mice, suggesting a way to treat eye diseases in people.

Humans

Terrorism Repercussions: Scientists consider threats, opportunities after Sept. 11

A new report from the American Association for the Advancement of Science considers the potential effects on academic research of government policies proposed in response to the terrorism attack of Sept. 11, 2001.