Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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		AnthropologyDrowned land holds clue to first Americans
A map of a now-flooded region charts the path that Asians may have taken to first reach the Americas.
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		HumansTreaty 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.
By Janet Raloff - 			
			
		Health & MedicineDiet 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. […]
By Janet Raloff - 			
			
		Health & MedicineNew Antidote to Botulism: Drug neutralizes toxin in mouse tests
An experimental drug disables deadly botulism toxin much better than current treatment does.
By Nathan Seppa - 			
			
		Health & MedicineFullness 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.
By John Travis - 			
			
		Health & MedicineUlcer bug linked to stroke
Potent strains of an ulcer-causing bacterium may also trigger strokes.
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		Health & MedicineLab tool may spawn new antiviral drugs
Short strands of RNA can be used to stop viruses such as HIV.
By John Travis - 			
			
		Health & MedicineBreast-feeding has protective bonus
Breast-feeding appears to help ward off breast cancer.
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		HumansFrom 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 […]
By Science News - 			
			
		Health & MedicineObesity 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
By Science News - 			
			
		Health & MedicineSurprise! 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 […]
By Janet Raloff - 			
			
		Health & MedicineRetina 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.
By Nathan Seppa