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AnthropologyGene test probes Neandertal origins
A new DNA study supports the theory that Neandertals didn't contribute to the evolution of modern humans.
By Bruce Bower -
AnimalsHe and she cooperate on anti-aphrodisiacs
Scientists have for the first time identified a chemical that serves as a butterfly anti-aphrodisiac.
By Susan Milius -
ChemistryLakes reveal low phosphate concentrations
Researchers using a new technique have found that previous measurements of phosphate, an important nutrient in lake ecosystems, have grossly overestimated its concentration.
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Mice can thank a hormone for the memories
Oxytocin, a hormone previously implicated in mammalian sexual and maternal behavior, may play a role in social recognition in mice.
By Ruth Bennett -
Health & MedicineStress-prone? Altering the diet may help
Tailoring a diet to fuel the brain with the precursor of a mood-enhancing chemical may help vulnerable individuals cope with stress.
By Janet Raloff -
AstronomyStars’ wobbles reveal six more planets
Swiss astronomers have found indirect evidence of six additional planets that lie outside the solar system, bringing the tally to more than 40.
By Ron Cowen -
AstronomyGamma-ray craft plunges into Pacific
As planned, NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which had detected some of the highest-energy radiation in the universe for 9 years, crashed into the Pacific Ocean on June 4.
By Ron Cowen -
Checking up on abuse memories
An unusual trove of evidence in a criminal case supports the accuracy of recall of childhood sexual abuse.
By Bruce Bower -
Energy-efficient brains
Successful problem solving depends on a brain that efficiently lessens its workload rather than laboring harder.
By Bruce Bower -
Why is that wasp helping?
Researchers have found nests of a social insect with helpers that are neither close kin nor slaves.
By Susan Milius -
Weevils pick on someone their own size
A horned weevil can't pick a real fight with a male too big for him because the bigger one can't get a good grip.
By Susan Milius -
Trilobites might have invented farming
A close look at fossils raises the possibility that a type of trilobite farmed bacteria.
By Susan Milius