A leukemia cell seals its own fate when researchers trap cancer-causing proteins in its nucleus. (p. 84)

A fossil analysis indicates that, by about 100,000 years ago, modern humans in the Middle East had hands suited to holding stone tools by attached handles, whereas Neandertals did not. (p. 84)

Using a technique more precise than ever before, an international team of researchers has estimated the age of the universe to be at least 12.5 billion years old. (p. 85)

Two tiny wasp species provide the best evidence yet that infection by Wolbachia bacteria can play a role in forming species. (p. 85)

A novel micromachine uses quantum fluctuations of empty space to help drive its motion. (p. 86)

Various potentially dangerous strains of simian immunodeficiency virus exist in wild primates in Africa and are still being spread among people who hunt the animals for meat. (p. 86)

The recent discovery of several dozen extinct bee species in ancient amber deposits has led one paleontologist to propose that the very success of some bees' social lifestyle led to today's dearth of hive-dwelling species. (p. 87)

Under the right conditions, mixing two incompatible polymers can produce drops that organize themselves into strings. (p. 87)

Two prototype jumping robots that hop, crash-and-land, and then hop again are demonstrating a novel mobility concept that may finally enable small, cheap robots to roam widely over rough terrain. (p. 88)

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may also treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. (p. 92)

A patient who has inflammation of the pancreas and needs to have the organ removed can avoid getting diabetes if islet cells are salvaged from the pancreas and reimplanted into the liver. (p. 94)

Antibodies formed in response to the vaccine against Lyme disease kill the bacteria that cause it while they are still in the deer tick that spreads it. (p. 94)

Rhythmic grinding of teeth during sleep occurs at least once a week in as many as 8.2 percent of people. (p. 94)

The first cloned gaur, a rare, Asian oxlike creature, died when only a few days old but proved the technique worked. (p. 95)

Genetic analysis suggests an unusual history for modern horses: lots of independent domestications instead of the usual few. (p. 95)

A herd of feral cattle that hasn't had new blood for at least 300 years seems to have avoided the genetic risks of inbreeding. (p. 95)

The inactivity of a single enzyme in peat due to the lack of oxygen may be the only thing preventing massive releases of carbon dioxide from the peatlands. (p. 95)

The strength of the winter weather feature called the Siberian high is linked to the amount of early-season snow cover in its namesake region. (p. 95)