News
- Genetics
Farmers assimilated foragers as they spread agriculture
While some European hunter-gatherers remained separate, others mated with the early farmers that introduced agriculture to the continent.
- Health & Medicine
Enzyme may help aspirin protect against colon cancer
Aspirin may not reduce colon cancer risk in people with low levels of a protective enzyme called 15-PGDH.
By Nathan Seppa - Quantum Physics
Major step taken toward error-free computing
Physicists have achieved nearly perfect control over a bit of quantum information, bringing them a step closer to error-free computation.
- Neuroscience
Pain curbs sex drive in females, but not males
When in pain, female mice’s interest in sex takes a hit but males still want to mate.
- Neuroscience
Poor slumber is bad for young flies’ brains
A child's sleep deprivation could alter brain development and adult behavior, a study of fruit flies suggests.
- Astronomy
Earth-sized planet found in star’s habitable zone
Astronomers have found a potentially habitable Earth-sized planet around a cool red star.
- Genetics
Gene activity sets humans apart from extinct hominids
Differences in gene activity caused by DNA methylation distinguish modern people from Neandertals and Denisovans.
- Animals
Most extreme female penis is found on cave lice
Female penis, male vagina have been discovered in tiny Brazilian insects.
By Susan Milius - Health & Medicine
Possible measles drug tests well in animals
Compound that saves ferrets from viral infection might someday lead to measles treatment.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Triclosan aids nasal invasions by staph
The antimicrobial compound triclosan, commonly found in soaps and toothpaste, may help Staphylococcus aureus stick around.
By Beth Mole - Climate
Reef fish act drunk in carbon dioxide–rich ocean waters
In first test in the wild, fish near reefs that bubble with CO2 lose fear of predators’ scent.
By Meghan Rosen - Anthropology
Turkana Boy sparks row over Homo erectus height
Estimating the adult height and weight of an ancient youth from his skeleton has proven tricky.
By Bruce Bower