Life

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We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Chemistry

    Terminator termites have unique technique

    Age intensifies likelihood of workers turning into tiny suicide bombers.

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  2. Humans

    Maiden shows signs of TB-like infection

    Molecular analysis yields clues about the immune system activity of a probable sacrificial victim.

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  3. Life

    Polar bears’ ancient roots pushed way back

    Full genetic blueprints suggest the animals split from brown bears millions of years ago.

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  4. Animals

    Tiny creature, giant sperm

    Giant sperm appear in various other species, including some flatworms, beetles and a fruit fly species, Drosophila bifurca, with sperm nearly 6 centimeters long.

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  5. Life

    Fake jellyfish so real it even swims

    Constructed of silicone and heart cells, medusoid moves like the real thing.

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  6. Life

    Little animals spread sperm for smelly mosses

    Sex-specific odors may entice springtails to kick off fertilization.

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  7. Math

    Test decodes dolphins’ math skills

    Dolphins could use mental math to locate prey in clouds of bubbles.

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  8. Life

    Study shows where identical twins part ways

    By birth, genetic doubles are already using their DNA differently.

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  9. Life

    Insulin may be Big Antler hormone

    Extra sensitivity to the hormone in certain developing tissues might give animals their oversized weapons and ornaments.

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  10. Animals

    Shark

    A Visual History by Richard Ellis.

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  11. Life

    The Violinist’s Thumb

    by Sam Kean.

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  12. Life

    Skinny searchers keep fat ants full

    By controlling movement out of an ant nest, researchers discover that ants weigh tubbiness in deciding who hunts for food.

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