News
- Anthropology
Humanity’s upright gait may have roots in trees
A comparison of wrist bones from African apes and monkeys indicates that human ancestors began walking by exploiting the evolutionary legacy of ancient, tree-climbing apes.
- Earth
Spotting danger from on high
Airborne sensors can identify mineral outcrops and soil that may contain natural asbestos.
- Computing
Minifridge makes quantum computers last
A new study shows that if ions are kept cool, then the information they hold can be repeatedly manipulated.
- Math
Baseball by the numbers
A new study evaluates the success of statistical analyses in determining the player with the golden glove.
- Animals
Tool use to crow about
A pair of new studies indicates that crows can employ tools in advanced ways, including using stones to displace water in a container and manipulating three sticks in sequence to reach food.
- Earth
A source of haze
Scientists identify how a hydrocarbon commonly emitted by plants is converted to light-scattering aerosols.
- Life
Death-grip fungus made me do it
Infection may be driving ants to set their jaws in low-hanging leaves before they die.
- Space
Titan may host prebiotic brew
Saturn’s moon Titan may harbor a prebiotic mix of chemicals similar to those present at the dawn of life on Earth.
- Life
DEET’s nastiness extends to humans
Study finds the bug-repellent ingredient stopped an enzyme from doing its job.
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- Health & Medicine
Adult mouse gut makes new neurons
Scientists find newborn nerve cells in the intestines of adult mice, suggesting a new line of research for treating intestinal disorders.
- Math
Cable boxes identify bargain and lemon commercial slots
Analysts get a closer look at television viewing habits with second-by-second data.
