Science Ticker
A roundup of research and breaking news
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Animals
Toxic toad infiltrates Madagascar
Asian common toads may have hopped a ride to Madagascar and could pose an ecological risk to the island's native species.
- Life
Human use energy in brains, muscles differently than chimps do
The way our brains and muscles use energy is strikingly distinct compared with chimpanzees' metabolism in these tissues, a finding that may explain the major differences between the two species.
- Science & Society
Stem cell scientist reportedly agrees to retract controversial paper
Japanese stem cell scientist Haruko Obokata has agreed to retract one of the Jan. 30 Nature papers on STAP cells.
- Animals
Zebra finches can detect variations in human speech
When humans vary the pitch or rhythm of their speech, zebra finches perceive the changes, suggesting that the ability to detect such variations is not linked to language.
- Paleontology
Age and origin of Earth’s early fossils questioned
Some of Earth's earliest trace fossils may not be fossils at all, a new study argues.
- Life
Ebola vaccine shows promise for saving apes
Results of a clinical trial suggest that vaccination of wild apes could protect them from infectious diseases.
- Anthropology
Richard III to be reburied in Leicester Cathedral
The remains of Richard III will be reburied in Leicester, a British court ruled on May 23.
- Computing
Diffusion may keep big knots out of DNA
A new computer simulation shows the way two knots on a strand of DNA could pass through each other without adding any additional snarls.
- Physics
U.S. physics strategy calls for greater global collaboration
In a time of tightened budgets, the U.S. particle physics community must increase international collaboration without sacrificing its position as a leader in the field, according to a new report.
- Health & Medicine
Dengue risk forecasted for soccer World Cup in Brazil
Three Brazilian cities — Recife, Fortaleza and Natal — have the highest risk for outbreaks of dengue fever, according to a new early warning system.
- Health & Medicine
Newer schizophrenia drug isn’t necessarily better
A newer antipsychotic medication may work no better than an older drug, results from a clinical trial show.
- Ecosystems
Deep-sea trawling threatens oceans’ health
Dragging large nets along the seafloor to catch fish cuts organic matter and biodiversity in half and may threaten all of the world's underwater ecosystems.
