Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- Life
California mad cow case no reason for panic
An animal recently diagnosed with the disease had an unusual form unlikely to be passed to humans.
- Life
Tree cricket song has note of variability
Wings’ length, individual segments allow species to produce mating calls in range of frequencies.
