The Ancestor Hunter
The University of Arizona's Michael Hammer is using advanced DNA techniques to figure out where we came from. Which, apparently, is not just one place, or even one species.
Brain’s Indiana Joneses Search for Empathy
Empathy is more than an item on a prospective Supreme Court nominee's résumé; it's a core human trait. But where inside the brain might it arise?
Order From Chaos: Making Sense of Schizophrenia Research
The tyranny of choice also appears to affect research into schizophrenia: The sheer volume of data can make teasing out what's important from what's trivial an obstacle to better understanding the disease.
Keeping More Species Around May Dilute Disease Threat
A study on hantavirus and Panama rats suggests another and less obvious benefit to biodiversity — it may diminish the threat humans face from zoonotic diseases.
Been Caught Stealing: A Drug That Fights Kleptomania
A drug used to treat alcoholics and heroin addicts shows promise in treating those addicted to theft.
Moderate Drinking Sails in Stormy Waters
Amid gallons of competing studies about the benefits and banes of alcohol, the consistent message that moderation is a good course gets refined.
Leon Botstein: In It for the Duration
A Miller-McCune interview of intellectual provocateur Leon Botstein.
Parallel Paths?
Review: A useful but incomplete book looks at the compatibility (if any) of Buddhism and science.
Making a Market for Kidneys
Using game theory and market-design software, doctors are arranging kidney-transplant 'swaps' — sometimes in long chains — to give more people with renal disease better transplant options and healthier futures.
Mother’s Travails May Appear in Offspring’s DNA
Puzzled over health complications more persistent among African Americans than in other Americans, researchers invoke epigenetics.