News
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EcosystemsShrinking sea ice threatens natural highways for caribou, plants
As Arctic sea ice declines, Peary caribou or plants risk getting stranded when their frozen highways thaw.
By Susan Milius -
Health & MedicineActivity trackers fall short in weight-loss trial
In a two-year study, wearable activity monitors didn’t help young adults lose more weight.
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EarthPrimordial continental crust re‑created in lab
Compressing rocks from an ocean plateau at high temperatures and pressures re-creates the formation of Earth’s first continental crust.
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AstronomyVanished star may be first known failed supernova
A star that vanished in another galaxy might be the first confirmed case of a failed supernova — and the birth of a black hole.
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Quantum PhysicsTaming photons, electrons paves way for quantum internet
Scientists are gearing up to create supersecure global quantum networks.
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NeuroscienceBrain’s physical structure may help guide its wiring
The brain’s stiffness helps dictate how nerve cells grow, a study suggests.
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Health & MedicineMixing Pokémon Go and driving isn’t safe
Pokémon Go alters reality to driver’s detriment, a new study finds.
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ArchaeologyPainting claimed to be among Australia’s oldest known rock art
A painting on a cave’s ceiling may be one of Australia’s earliest examples of rock art, according to researchers who used an ancient wasps’ nest to date the art.
By Bruce Bower -
AnimalsFrog-hunting bats have ‘cocktail party effect’ workaround
Test with robotic frogs finds bats that hunt amphibians switch their attention to other clues if outside noise masks the mating chorus.
By Susan Milius -
LifeRattlesnakes have reduced their repertoire of venoms
The most recent common ancestor of today’s rattlesnakes had a huge set of toxin-producing genes. Modern rattlesnake species have independently ditched some of these genes.
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ArchaeologyOldest indigo-dyed fabric found
South American society was first known to use complex dye process on fabrics.
By Bruce Bower -
LifeColor vision strategy defies textbook picture
Cone cells in the retina see in black and white and color.