Science Ticker
A roundup of research and breaking news
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Genetics
DNA may determine if you’re an early bird or night owl
Morning people are more likely to have certain variations in their DNA, but less likely to have insomnia or sleep apnea.
- Genetics
U.K. first to approve gene editing of human embryos for research
The United Kingdom is the first government to approve gene editing in human embryos for research purposes.
- Health & Medicine
WHO declares international emergency for cases linked to Zika virus
The recent spate of birth defects and neurological disorders linked to Zika virus infection constitutes an international public health emergency, the World Health Organization declared February 1.
- Animals
Behavior, body size impact bats’ fight against white-nose syndrome
Behavioral and physical traits buffer some bats against white-nose syndrome while leaving others vulnerable.
- Animals
Skin color changes reveal octopus drama
Shallow-water octopuses use changes in skin color to communicate aggression to their peers, study suggests.
- Tech
Machine trumps man in strategy game Go
For the first time, a computer has beat a professional human player in the strategy game Go.
- Health & Medicine
Monkeys with human gene show signs of autism
Genetically altered monkeys may help scientists understand autism.
- Animals
Tegu lizards warm up for mating season
The heat is on in tegu lizards during mating season, study suggests.
- Animals
New tree frog genus discovered in India
Researchers unveil a newly identified tree frog genus from northeastern India that eats mom’s eggs.
- Planetary Science
Evidence mounts for hidden ninth planet
A new analysis of bodies in the Kuiper Belt strengthens the case for an unseen planet lurking in the outer regions of our solar system.
- Genetics
Bubonic plague hung around in Europe
DNA from plague victims suggests that a European reservoir of the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis could have fueled the medieval pandemic.
- Health & Medicine
CDC issues travel guidelines for pregnant women
Pregnant women should consider postponing travel to much of Latin America and the Caribbean.
