Humans

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- Health & Medicine
HIV: Reversing a death sentence
New research suggests the infection, while serious, can be treated — and maybe cured.
By Bryn Nelson - Brain
Fear prompts teens to act impulsively
A new study finds that teens may act impulsively in the face of fear. This might help explain high rates of violence among such adolescents, the authors say.
- Brain
In pursuit of memory
Why is granny so forgetful? Scientists must learn how the brain builds memories if they hope to figure out why recall fails in old age.
- Fossils
Where do humans come from?
Some scientists propose a newfound South African species as the most likely ancestor of the line that led to humans. But not everyone accepts that this is where it all began.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Veggies: A radiation shield
Here’s another reason to eat broccoli and related veggies: They protect the body’s cells from killer radiation — at least in rats.
- Brain
‘Study drugs’ can be dangerous
The misuse of these ADHD medicines not only constitutes cheating, but they can become addictive and can mess with your head.
- Health & Medicine
Mining medicine from poop
Researchers find a much less yucky way to treat people with a common killer infection.
- Health & Medicine
Sleep therapy for fears
Scared? A nap spent inhaling the proper smell might relieve those fears, a study finds.
- Health & Medicine
Nobel goes for studying ‘school buses’ in cells
A trio of scientists who studied how cells transport materials — think of buses moving kids to and from school — will share a 2013 Nobel Prize.
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- Microbes
Slimming germs
In the gut, the right microbe mix can help keep off extra weight — at least in mice.
- Health & Medicine
Explainer: Where and when did HIV begin?
The virus that causes AIDS may have evolved in monkeys or apes more than a century ago.
By Bryn Nelson