Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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- Life
Good cholesterol may not be what keeps the heart healthy
Genetic study suggests that higher levels of HDL aren’t directly responsible for the lower risk of cardiovascular disease seen in population studies.
- Ecosystems
Darwin’s Devices
What Evolving Robots Can Teach Us About the History of Life and the Future of Technology, by John Long.
- Animals
Better bird nesting also good for giant manta rays
Disrupting tree canopies on a Pacific atoll discourages big fish off shore through a long chain of ecological consequences.
- Tech
Paralyzed woman grips, sips coffee with robot arm
For the first time, a brain-computer interface is powerful enough to enable useful movement in human patients.
- Life
Gene study links stronger memories, PTSD
New finding may help explain why some people experience psychological problems after traumatic experiences.
- Life
Climate change may leave many mammals homeless
In some places over the next century, projected warming threatens the survival of more than one in three species.
- Life
Genes may influence body’s bacteria
Specific DNA variants have been found to be associated with the types of microbes that colonize a person’s body.
- Life
Gene appears linked with a person’s daily rhythms
Variations could play a role in determining time of death, or help shift workers better adapt.
- Life
Culture results when chimps get cracking
Adjacent groups in Africa follow different traditions when it comes to opening nuts.
- Humans
Rural life may boost allergy resistance
Country kids had a greater diversity of bacteria associated with increased levels of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10.
- Life
Controversial flu research published
One of two papers detailing airborne H5N1 experiments is released.
