Life
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Neuroscience
Brain reconstruction hints at dinosaur communication
T. rex and other dinos might have understood complex vocal calls.
- Genetics
Dogs’ origins lie in Europe
First domesticated canines did not live in China or Middle East, a study of mitochondrial DNA finds.
- Neuroscience
Teenagers act impulsively when facing danger
Brain activity may help explain why crime peaks during the teenage years.
- 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.
- Neuroscience
Another look at paralysis
Robotic suits help paralyzed people move, but simple behavior changes may prevent the accidents that cause the injuries.
- Life
How to kill the last microbes standing
Chemical wipes out bacteria that linger after antibiotic treatment.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- Animals
Sea slug mating features a stab in the head
Newly discovered hermaphroditic sea slug deploys specialized needle-thin organ for injections near the eyes.
- 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.
- Microbes
Surprising metals found in microbes
Scientists discover the first case of an organism needing a rare earth element for survival.
