Life

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Life

    New imaging technique catches DNA ‘blinking’ on

    Dye-free imaging technique zooms in below 10-nanometer threshold, allowing new cellular views.

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  2. Microbes

    Microbes survived inside giant cave crystals for up to 50,000 years

    Microbes trapped in crystals in Mexico's Naica mine may represent some of the most distinct life-forms found in Earth so far.

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  3. Health & Medicine

    Common fungus may raise asthma risk

    The presence of a fungus in the infant gut can signal development of asthma by age 5.

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  4. Ecosystems

    Seagrasses boost ecosystem health by fighting bad bacteria

    Seagrasses might reduce bacteria levels in ocean water.

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  5. Genetics

    Human gene editing therapies are OK in certain cases, panel advises

    A panel of experts says clinical gene editing to correct and prevent human disease should move forward, but enhancements should not be allowed.

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  6. Paleontology

    Fossil shows that ancient reptile gave live birth

    A new fossil shows that a prehistoric reptile may have given birth to live young, unlike its egg-laying descendants, birds and crocodiles.

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  7. Ecosystems

    Mapping rainforest chemistry from the air reveals 36 types of forest

    Aircraft analysis of tree chemicals reveals new biodiversity in the Peruvian rainforest.

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  8. Animals

    The animal guide to finding love

    Learn to dance, keep an eye on your competition, bring a gift: Animals have some practical advice for finding a mate.

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  9. Climate

    Desert songbirds increasingly at risk of dehydration

    With no efforts to curb climate warming, hot spots in the U.S. Southwest could turn uninhabitable for some songbirds.

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  10. Animals

    Coral reef crab named after Harry Potter characters

    Bizarre rubble-dwelling crab named after critter collector and Harry Potter characters.

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  11. Life

    Rapid Ebola test to detect early infection in the works

    Scientists are developing highly specific antibodies to detect Ebola sooner.

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  12. Oceans

    Fleeting dead zones can muck with seafloor life for decades

    Low-oxygen conditions can fundamentally disrupt seafloor ecosystems and increase carbon burial, new research shows.

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