News
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HumansH5N1 influenza research moratorium ends
Scientists lift self-imposed moratorium on research that would make avian flu transmissible among humans.
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LifeStarchy diet may have transformed wolves to dogs
Gaining the ability to digest carbohydrates may have been an important step in domesticating dogs.
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TechDNA stores poems, a photo and a speech
The molecule swaps its biological role for a computational one, that of long-term data storage.
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EarthWatering fields in California boosts rainfall in Southwest
Irrigation has downstream effects on climate and runoff to Colorado River.
By Erin Wayman -
Health & MedicineHalf of U.S. babies may miss on-time vaccinations
Immunization delays place children at risk of contracting preventable diseases.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineWhen hearing goes, mental capacity often follows
Cognitive decline may result from decreased social interaction or diversion of brainpower toward understanding speech.
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SpaceLife has prospects on moons of giant extrasolar planets
Astronomers show how bodies orbiting distant Jupiters could be habitable.
By Andrew Grant -
TechTrick of light makes microwave imaging simple
Metamaterials and math combine to produce a quick, cheap system.
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Health & MedicineFlu shot during pregnancy is safe, but flu isn’t
Illness in the mother nearly doubles the risk of a miscarriage or stillbirth in second or third trimester, a new study shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
PsychologyDepression gene search disappoints
A comprehensive effort to find links between genetic variants and low mood comes up empty.
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SpaceStellar baby picture
The newborn stars, not even a million years old, formed when regions of a cloud of cool dust and gas (visible at center left) collapsed from gravity.
By Andrew Grant -
AnimalsFinally, the truth about barnacle sex is revealed
A genetic analysis shows that the sessile crustaceans can broadcast sperm in water, contrary to previous assumptions.
By Susan Milius