Life
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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LifeGenes & Cells
A family without fingerprints and the long-term harm of sleep skimping in this week’s news.
By Science News -
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LifeEarly stress is contagious in adulthood
A zebra finch’s tough childhood shortens both its life and its mate’s.
By Susan Milius -
LifeParkinson’s protein comes in fours
A better understanding of alpha-synuclein's structure could lead to ways of treating or preventing the disease.
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HumansBig fish return to Mexican marine park
Most effects of overharvesting reversed within a decade.
By Janet Raloff -
LifePlants and fungi recognize generous trading partners
Rewards — and consequences — stabilize underground biological market in mutualistic relationships.
By Susan Milius -
LifePaper wasps help out for their own good
Behavior that appears altruistic actually benefits number one.
By Susan Milius -
PaleontologySea monsters made great mothers
Fossilized plesiosaur with fetus suggests ancient reptiles cared for their young.
By Nadia Drake -
ChemistryMeteorites contain chemicals linked to life
Space rocks could have delivered DNA building blocks to Earth.
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LifeRare gene variants linked to ADHD
Missing or added genes cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other disorders, such as autism.
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LifeCommon virus may ride up nose to brain
Almost everyone is infected, but in some people a widespread herpes bug appears to reach the central nervous system by an olfactory route.
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LifeBacteria binged on BP oil but didn’t grow
Researchers suspect the spilled crude didn’t provide a balanced diet.
By Janet Raloff