THIS ISSUE

摘要

By simply tracking flu-related search terms in the Yahoo and Google data logs, two groups have beaten traditional surveillance systems to the draw. Both have predicted the onset of US seasonal flu epidemics at an early stage. Though no substitute for conventional epidemiology, this method could provide an economical early warning system for disease control. The historical and archaeological records reveal that humans became especially good at killing 'outsiders' from other groups, tribes or nations. Some animals do engage in such conflicts, but humans excel. We are also uniquely receptive to socialization and learning, and can achieve the heights of altruistic behaviour.