Life

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We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Neuroscience

    The Inconstant Gardener

    Microglia, the same immune cells that help sculpt the developing brain, may do damage later in life .

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  2. Health & Medicine

    Nicotine withdrawal linked to specific brain cells in mice

    A group of cells within one brain region may control the physical symptoms that plague people trying to kick their cigarette addiction.

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  3. Neuroscience

    Brain reconstruction hints at dinosaur communication

    T. rex and other dinos might have understood complex vocal calls.

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  4. Genetics

    Dogs’ origins lie in Europe

    First domesticated canines did not live in China or Middle East, a study of mitochondrial DNA finds.

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  5. Neuroscience

    Teenagers act impulsively when facing danger

    Brain activity may help explain why crime peaks during the teenage years.

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  6. Animals

    Tibet may be ancient home of big cats

    A recently discovered fossil skull and teeth suggest that the ancestor of all big cats lived in what's now Tibet.

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  7. Neuroscience

    Another look at paralysis

    Robotic suits help paralyzed people move, but simple behavior changes may prevent the accidents that cause the injuries.

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  8. Life

    How to kill the last microbes standing

    Chemical wipes out bacteria that linger after antibiotic treatment.

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  9. Animals

    The hottest guy guppies stand out in a crowd

    A new study shows that sexy male guppies are the ones who stand out the most, the rarest in the crowd. But what is the rare male effect for?

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  10. Neuroscience

    Bacteria may transfer mom’s stress to fetus

    Expecting mice under psychological pressure passed different mix of microbes to their pups, affecting the babies’ brains.

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  11. Animals

    Gassed snails can’t jump

    When exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide, some snails move like slugs and others don’t jump at all.

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  12. Life

    Penguin’s flight from Antarctica clocked

    A climate shift millions of years ago may have forced the birds’ ancestors to flee to warmer digs.

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