In Case You Missed It!

Part of a skull from a 2-million-year-old baboon has been found in a cave in South Africa, the site where remains of our early ancestors have been found.  This is the first non-human primate found at this site.  So the question is: how come so many humans and so few baboons?  And should I care?

Another should I care item: the NY Times today describes the mechanism that moves growing nails forward.  Definitely more than I need to know about this subject.

The click-speaking Khoe-San people of southern Africa carry a genetic mutation that reduces pregnancy complications.  That’s a good thing.

A new study has found that certain gun laws lead to lower rates of firearm suicide.  Specifically, waiting periods for gun purchases, background checks, gun locks and open carry restrictions yield less suicides.  The author of the study says, “When you make a highly lethal method of suicide harder to access, you’re going to lower the suicide rate.”  Duhhh!

There is growing evidence that steroid shots commonly used for back pain work no better than placebos.  There may be short-term pain relief, but the injections don’t have long-lasting results nor do they reduce the need for surgery.  I wonder if the anti-steroid lobby is behind these new studies.

Finally, another question: Is there an effective treatment for dark under-eye circles?  Answer: It depends on what caused them.  An expert, the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, opines: “The earlier you do the correct thing (for your skin), the better it is for the long term.”  That definitely qualifies as another Duhhh!