Today's health and science

In G Health

Roughly one in five American adults takes vitamin D and calcium supplements. But a long-awaited report released last month proclaimed the pills largely unnecessary for healthy people. The supplements provide no additional benefit according to the best available research, and too many can be dangerous, the report said. So, should you strike them from your daily regimen? The answer depends on your health, your beliefs, your fears, and your choice.

Is it safe to take antidepressants during pregnancy?

Emily F. Rothman, an associate professor at Boston University School of Public Health, studies dating violence among teenagers.

Children with lazy eye who had acupuncture were just as likely as children who wore patches over their stronger eye to have improved vision after six months.

People with high levels of “good’’ cholesterol may have more than just better heart health. A new study found a link between high “good’’ cholesterol and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (second item).

In Science & Innovation

Though climate change seems a particularly modern predicament — one that generates alarm about the fate of the planet and how people and businesses will adapt — scientists are finding evidence that climate fluctuations influenced cultural changes among inhabitants of prehistoric New England.

Akamai is a Cambridge Internet infrastructure company, delivering massive amounts of online data for major businesses and government agencies. It is also one of many companies that defend the Internet from distributed denial of service, or DDOS, attacks, old but potent digital weapons wielded by criminals, protestors, and vandals around the world.

What gives Earl Grey tea its taste?