News
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Health & MedicineRepairing muscle from the cell up
Skeletal muscle stem cells can fix weakling muscles in mice and could eventually lead to treatments for muscular dystrophy.
By Tia Ghose -
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EarthHowdy, neighbor!
About 800 million years ago, East Antarctica, now one of the coldest regions on Earth, abutted what is now Death Valley, Calif., one of the hottest.
By Sid Perkins -
ChemistryIt’s DNA Jim, but not as we know it
Chemists synthesized a DNA-like molecule using unnatural versions of the “letters” that make up the genetic code.
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PaleontologyA wandering eye
New look at fossils of primitive flatfish reveals how these fish evolved eyes on one side of their head
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Planetary ScienceLunar liquid
A new analysis of moon rocks has revealed that the moon isn’t as bone dry as researchers had thought, whetting the appetite of scientists who seek a deeper understanding of how Earth’s only natural satellite arose and evolved.
By Ron Cowen -
LifeFrog builds toes, then legs
A small frog appears to jump-start its skeletal development, turning on genes for building feet and toes before bothering to build its legs.
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PaleontologyFossils, now available in color
Fossilized feathers of an early bird or dinosaur may retain evidence of pigment, offering a chance to animal colors of the Cretaceous.
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Health & MedicineLocation matters
Scientists find the role of dopamine varies from one end of a brain region to another.
By Amy Maxmen -
Health & MedicineRisk profile for diabetes
People who harbor excess amounts of the compound fetuin-A face a heightened risk of developing diabetes.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineCancer and college
Highly educated people have reaped the benefits of cancer prevention and treatment. Death rates in this group have fallen, but people with less education have missed out on these gains.
By Nathan Seppa -
AnthropologyLoud and clear
Skulls of Neandertal ancestors show the prehistoric humans had a hearing capacity similar to present-day people, suggesting human speech could have originated much earlier than previously thought.
By Tia Ghose