Science Ticker
A roundup of research and breaking news
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Neuroscience
‘Unique’ human brain regions similar to monkeys’ brains
Monkeys may have rudimentary brain wiring that later evolved into the connections that gave humans the ability to understand language, think flexibly and make decisions.
- Planetary Science
China’s moon rover may be beyond repair
If the rover’s electronics are exposed to the extremely cold temperatures on the moon, they will break, leaving Jade Rabbit inoperable.
- Life
Molecule stops MERS spread among cultured human cells
The molecule interacts with the protein the MERS virus uses to enter a cell.
- Health & Medicine
Low semen levels in mice make for fatter sons
Mice without the glands that make semen may sire sons with more body fat.
- Earth
Eighth century carbon spike not from comet impact
The space rock would have to have been 100 kilometers across and 100 billion to 1,000 billion tons, leaving a disastrous impact not supported by geological or written records.
- Earth
Grand Canyon’s origin dated to 6 million years ago
Even though parts of the canyon are old, the chasm could not have taken on its grand form until erosion from the Colorado River connected all of the smaller canyons, which was roughly 6 million years ago, scientists argue.
- Health & Medicine
Ancient history of canine cancer decoded
A contagious cancer has been plaguing dogs for 11,000 years, a new genetic analysis reveals.
- Quantum Physics
Atomic clock sets world records for precision, stability
The strontium atomic clock is about 50 percent more precise than the previous record holder made of a single charged aluminum atom and rivals the ytterbium atomic clock for the title of most stable.
- Planetary Science
Dwarf planet Ceres gives off gassy water
Astronomers report observations that Ceres releases water molecules from two distinct spots on its surface.
- Cosmology
New supernova spotted in nearby galaxy
The galaxy M82 has given off a brilliant flash, which astronomers have confirmed as a type 1a supernova.
- Climate
2013 among top 10 warmest years on record
Global temperatures have now been above average for 37 consecutive years.
- Astronomy
Rosetta spacecraft checks in with Earth
The spacecraft has successfully transmitted a signal to Earth, meaning that ESA controllers can now prepare Rosetta for its August rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
