Uncategorized
- Animals
Researchers create hybrid embryos of endangered white rhinos
Scientists have made the first rhino embryos, providing a small glimmer of hope for the nearly extinct northern white rhinoceros.
- Anthropology
Foot fossil pegs hominid kids as upright walkers 3.3 million years ago
A foot from an ancient hominid child suggests that Lucy’s species, Australopithecus afarensis, walked early in life.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Evidence grows that an HPV screen beats a Pap test at preventing cancer
More research finds that a test for human papillomavirus infection catches precancerous cervical cells better than the standard test, a Pap.
- Life
This ‘junk’ gene may be important in embryo development
Mice — and maybe humans — can’t get past the two-cell stage of development without a particular type of jumping gene.
- Astronomy
Astronomers snap the first baby pictures of a planet
New telescope images give the clearest view of an exoplanet embryo yet.
- Archaeology
Mongolians practiced horse dentistry as early as 3,200 years ago
Horse dentistry got an early start among Bronze Age Mongolian herders.
By Bruce Bower - Genetics
Koala genome may contain clues for helping the species survive
The complete genetic instruction book of a koala may explain why the cuddly-looking cuties are such picky eaters, among other secrets.
- Health & Medicine
Finally, there’s a way to keep syphilis growing in the lab
Scientists have figured out how to keep a sample of the bacteria Treponema pallidum alive and infectious for over eight months.
- Genetics
The study of human heredity got its start in insane asylums
‘Genetics in the Madhouse’ reveals how human heredity research began as a statistical science in 19th century insane asylums.
By Bruce Bower - Quantum Physics
Mini machines can evade friction by taking quantum shortcuts
Special maneuvers allow researchers to create tiny machines that are as efficient as possible.
- Psychology
Kids today are waiting longer than ever in the classic marshmallow test
Preschoolers wait longer for extra treats than they used to. What does it mean?
By Bruce Bower - Animals
‘Spying on Whales’ dives into the story of true leviathans
"Spying on Whales" retraces the evolution of cetaceans, explaining how they came to be some of Earth’s largest creatures.
By Sid Perkins