Life
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Ecosystems
Churning the numbers
Some of the ocean’s small swimmers may be having a big impact on ocean mixing.
- Agriculture
How weed killers might protect our eyes: It’s corny
Herbicides can boost trace-nutrient concentrations in sweet corn.
- Chemistry
Brilliant blue for the spine
A study in rats suggests the blue dye similar to that found in popsicles and sports drinks may prevent cell death after spinal cord injury.
- Life
Allergy meds slim down obese mice
Animal study shows over-the-counter medications lower weight and treat type 2 diabetes. The study is one of four to link type 2 diabetes with the immune system.
- Paleontology
Fossil shows first all-American honeybee
Nevada find contradicts long-held view of Europe and Asia as the native land of all honeybees.
- Animals
Toucan’s bill gives big chill
Bird’s supersized bill can switch personal air conditioning on and off, new research suggests.
- Life
Beetle masters optics
Researchers may gain inspiration from the shell of Chrysina gloriosa, which twists light in a particular way.
- Health & Medicine
Chimpanzees die from primate version of HIV
A new study links the simian immunodeficiency virus to serious AIDS-like illness in a wild population.
- Life
Protein plays three cancer-fighting roles
The tumor suppressor protein, p53, has three ways to protect cells from turning cancerous. A new study shows that p53 helps make microRNAs.
- Life
Sleeping ugly
Analysis pinpoints genes that help springtails dehydrate and tough out the winter.
- Life
Web decorating with garbage
Spider webs adorned with decaying food remains attract more attacks, but maybe there’s a defensive trade-off at work.
- Paleontology
Diggin’ dinos
Structures found in Australian rocks may be the filled-in remains of the world’s oldest dinosaur burrows.
