Science Ticker
A roundup of research and breaking news
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Life
Gene makes old cells act young again
Turning on a gene called Lin28a in old, damaged tissue may help the cells heal quicker.
- Health & Medicine
More evidence that bilingualism delays dementia
Speaking a second language could keep the brain sharp longer, even among people who can't read, a new study suggests.
- Neuroscience
Monkeys control two arms in virtual reality
A new brain-computer interface has enabled movement of two virtual limbs at the same time.
- Microbes
Bacteria starved in space grow better
Given limited resources microbes in microgravity make more new cells than their counterparts on Earth.
- Paleontology
Oldest known T. Rex relative found in Utah
Researchers say the animal — named the gore king of the southwest — was an early member of the tyrannosaur family.
- Health & Medicine
Knee ligament gets a closer look
Surgeons have done a detailed study of a band of fibrous tissue along the front side of the joint.
- Life
Ice crystals form along cells’ seamlike structures
A detailed view of how ice forms among cells could lead to better tissue preservation.
- Paleontology
Giant platypus tooth found
A fossil molar found in Australia reveals a previously unknown extinct species of the mammal.
- Materials Science
Ice aided construction of Forbidden City
Workers slid heavy stone using liquid and frozen water to move it forward.
- Psychology
Male version of eating disorder replaces purging with muscle enhancers
Physique concerns can drive young men to take banned substances.
- Astronomy
Giant loner could shift idea of star formation
Observations of WR 102ka suggest it could have been born without any gaseous companions.
- Climate
Tiny shells hint at hidden ocean warming
Pacific waters are heating up 15 times faster than in earlier eras.
