Life
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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NeuroscienceEyes offer window into brain’s timekeepers
In new experiments of time perception, when pupils were large, monkeys underestimated a second.
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PaleontologyFirst known fossilized dinosaur brain unearthed, scientists claim
A dinosaur fossil that preserves brain tissue has been discovered for the first time, researchers announce.
By Meghan Rosen -
PaleontologyPicture of primate common ancestor coming into focus
A new family tree analysis predicts behavior of primate common ancestor.
By Erin Wayman -
PaleontologyEarly birds could achieve liftoff
Early birds and other flying dinosaurs had the strong legs and wing speed needed to launch into the air directly from the ground, researchers argue.
By Meghan Rosen -
LifeHow to make a fish face, and other photo contest winners
The tiny face of a 4-day-old zebrafish embryo snags the top spot in microscopy photography contest.
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GeneticsAncient hookups gave chimps a smidge of bonobo DNA
Genetic evidence suggests bonobos and chimpanzees interbred after becoming separate species.
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LifeScientists need to redraw picture of cell’s biggest organelle
A close-up view of the cell’s endoplasmic reticulum reveals a different structure.
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ClimateClimate change shifts how long ants hang on to coveted real estate
Simulated climate warming reveals a new pattern in turnover of ant nests.
By Susan Milius -
GeneticsHIV came to NYC at least a decade before virus ID’d
DNA analysis of early viral strains tracks U.S. debut to early ’70s
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AnimalsWith climate change, grizzly bears may hibernate less
New research shows that food availability and weather are driving when grizzly bears enter and exit their dens for hibernation.
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NeuroscienceFrequent liars show less activity in key brain structure
Brain activity changed as people lied more, a new study finds.
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GeneticsDNA data offer evidence of unknown extinct human relative
Melanesians may carry genetic evidence of a previously unknown extinct human relative.