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Life

Making T cells tougher against HIV

Delivering small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, to human immune cells in mice protects the cells from HIV and suggests future therapy for patients.

Humans

Neandertal mitochondrial DNA deciphered

Researchers have completed a mitochondrial genome sequence from a Neandertal. DNA taken from a 38,000-year-old bone indicates that humans and Neandertals diverged 660,000 years ago and are distinct groups.

Physics

Carbon tubes, but not nano

Trying to grow better, longer nanotubes, researchers accidentally discover a new type of carbon filament, colossal carbon tubes, which are tens of thousands of times thicker.

Astronomy

Invisible clumps in the galaxy

Model finds dark matter nearby and might shed light on the invisible material’s composition.

Earth

Naked planet

Scientists officially launch OneGeology, a project that will produce a single digital map of the planet’s geological formations.

Life

His master’s yawn

When humans open up for a jaw-stretcher, so do their best friends.

Space

Surprising signal

Potential contaminant found on Red Planet does not rule out its prospect for habitability.

Life

Eat less, weigh more

Separate neurons in the nematode brain control eating and fat-building. The discovery may help explain some mysteries of obesity.

Space

In the moon’s shadow

NASA broadcasts Aug. 1 total solar eclipse.

Life

Time to chill

Well-preserved fossils deposited in an Antarctic lake about 14 million years ago pin down when a large part of the now-icy continent most recently dipped below freezing.