Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Animals
A sperm whale’s head is built for ramming
Computer simulations of a sperm whale’s head show that an organ called the junk may help protect the brain when ramming other whales — or ships.
- Animals
Piggybacking tadpoles are epic food beggars
Tadpoles beg so frantically among mimic poison frogs that researchers check to see whether they’re just scamming.
- Life
Typhoid toxin aids survival in mice
A DNA-damaging bacterial protein may prolong the lives of infected animals.
- Life
‘Wild Ways’ showcases need for wildlife corridors
The TV documentary 'Wild Ways' shows how wildlife corridors bridge the gap between isolated populations of animals.
- Animals
Mama birds pay attention to more than chicks’ begging
Whether a mama bird decides to feed her offspring depends on more than just who begs most — her environment is a big factor, a new study finds.
- Neuroscience
Lip-readers ‘hear’ silent words
Lipreading prompts activity in the brain’s listening area.
- Health & Medicine
Gum disease opens up the body to a host of infections
Researchers are getting to the root of gum disease's implications for other diseases.
- Microbes
This microbe makes a meal of plastic
A newly identified bacterium can break down plastic waste.
- Neuroscience
Hippocampus makes maps of social space, too
The hippocampus is a multitalented mapmaker.
- Neuroscience
Forgetting can be hard work for your brain
It can take more work to forget something than to remember it.
- Animals
Ancient arthropod kept its brood close
A newly discovered ancient arthropod may offer clues on the evolution of parenting styles.
- Animals
Ant antennae provide chemical ID
Ants use their antennae to identify nest-mates and potential invaders. But antennae also produce the key compounds that ants use to tell friend from foe.
