Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Animals
‘Cannibalism’ chronicles grisly science of eating your own
In "Cannibalism", a zoologist explores a grisly topic that scientists have only recently begun to study seriously.
- Anthropology
DNA points to millennia of stability in East Asian hunter-fisher population
Ancient hunter-gatherers in East Asia are remarkably similar, genetically, to modern people living in the area. Unlike what happened in Western Europe, this region might not have seen waves of farmers take over.
- Archaeology
Cow carved in stone paints picture of Europe’s early human culture
Stone Age engraving helps to illuminate European travels of an ancient human culture.
- Archaeology
Iron Age secrets exhumed from riches-filled crypt
Wealthy woman’s 2,600-year-old grave highlights Central Europe’s early Iron Age links to Mediterranean societies.
- Health & Medicine
E-cigarette smoking linked to heart disease risk
Two indicators of heart disease risk were elevated for users of e-cigarettes in small-scale study.
- Life
Map of Zika virus reveals how it shifts as it matures
A cryo-electron microscopy map of immature Zika virus offers a never-before-seen glimpse of remodeling of the virus’s protein and RNA core.
- Health & Medicine
Rogue antibody linked to severe second dengue infections
Alternate antibody may indicate whether someone is susceptible to severe dengue disease.
- Life
Why salmonella doesn’t want you to poop out
Salmonella bacteria fight infection-driven losses in appetite to keep hosts just healthy enough for transmission.
- Anthropology
Snooze patterns vary across cultures, opening eyes to evolution of sleep
Sleep plays out differently across cultures, but a consistent cycle of z’s and activity appears crucial.
- Life
Mouse cells grown in rats cure diabetes in mice
Mixing cells of two species produces pig and cattle embryos with some human cells.
- Health & Medicine
50 years ago, methadone made a rosy debut
Heralded as the “answer to heroin addiction,” methadone is still used to treat opiate addiction, despite risks.
- Health & Medicine
A ban on screens in bedrooms may save kids’ sleep
Screens are associated with worse sleep in kids, and not just because of their lights and noises.
