Life
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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LifeNear reefs, microbial mix dictated by coral and algae
A reef’s dominant organism, coral or algae, may determine what kind of bacteria live there.
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NeuroscienceA mutated bacterial enzyme gobbles up cocaine
Cocaine is highly addictive, and those attempting to quit often relapse. Modifications to an enzyme that breaks down cocaine could help prevent abstinence setbacks.
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AnimalsEmperor penguin population could decline by 2100
Emperor penguins’ reign over Antarctic sea ice could be in decline by the beginning of the 22nd century.
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NeuroscienceShaking up the body may improve attention
Just two minutes of whole body vibrations improved young adults’ attention to detail.
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LifeOne lichen is actually 126 species and counting
One supposedly well-known tropical lichen could really be several hundred kinds.
By Susan Milius -
NeuroscienceAlzheimer’s disease may come in distinct forms
Mouse experiments, if confirmed in people, imply that Alzheimer’s disease treatment should be personalized.
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AnimalsWhy great white shark sightings are good news
Conservation measures implemented in the 1990s halted a decline in great white sharks in the Atlantic.
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LifeAnimal sex lives exposed in ‘Nature’s Nether Regions’
What the sex lives of bugs, birds, and beasts tell us about evolution, biodiversity, and ourselves.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsTo ID birds, try facial recognition
Improve your backyard birding using facial recognition software.
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AnimalsAnt lions hunt despite sealed lips
Ant lions are ferocious predators, but some of them don’t have a mouth. At least not in the usual sense.
By Susan Milius