Life
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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AnimalsGut bacteria compounds bring cockroaches together
Gut bacteria in young German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) produce fragrant compounds that, when excreted, attract other roaches.
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AnimalsGut bacteria’s compounds bring cockroaches together
German cockroaches may rely on gut bacteria to help attract fellow roaches.
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PaleontologyNew dating of dino ancestor challenges Triassic timeline
New dates for geologic layers of well-known fossil formation show that dinosaurs and their ancient relatives were separated by less time than researchers thought.
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GeneticsDNA editing shows success in mosquito sterilization
A new gene drive that sterilizes females could reduce numbers of malaria mosquitoes
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Health & MedicineHigh-potency pot smokers show brain-fiber damage
People who smoke potent pot had signs of damage in a brain communication link.
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AnimalsPygmy slow loris hibernates in winter
The pygmy slow loris truly hibernates, making it the first primate found outside Madagascar to do so, a new study says.
By Susan Milius -
GeneticsHuman gene editing research gets green light
Gene editing research can move forward, but not for reproductive purposes, international summit committee says.
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AnimalsA single penguin can break up a huddle
A new study documents how penguins regulate body temperature by forming huddles and breaking groupings apart.
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AnimalsPygmy slow loris in Asia takes unusual downtime in winter
The pygmy slow loris is the first primate outside Madagascar found to hibernate.
By Susan Milius -
Health & MedicinePregnancy hormone could keep multiple sclerosis at bay
A small trial hints that pregnancy hormone can reduce MS flare-ups.
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GeneticsScientists consider new genetic power and its impacts
Thanks to CRISPR, scientists’ plans for effective use of gene drives suddenly look feasible.
By Eva Emerson -
GeneticsGene drives spread their wings
Gene drives may wipe out malaria and take down invasive species. But they may be difficult to control.