Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Paleontology
Bedbugs bugged prehistoric humans, too
Scientists have found the oldest known specimens of bedbug relatives in an Oregon cave system where ancient humans once lived.
- Humans
Scientists seek early signs of autism
The search for autism biomarkers, in the blood and the brain, is heating up.
- Health & Medicine
Genetic risk of getting second cancer tallied for pediatric survivors
Inherited mutations, not only treatment, affect the chances that a childhood cancer survivor will develop a second cancer later in life.
- Health & Medicine
Common virus may be celiac disease culprit
A common virus may turn the immune system against gluten, leading to the development of celiac disease.
- Genetics
Cephalopods may have traded evolution gains for extra smarts
Editing RNA may give cephalopods smarts, but there’s a trade-off.
- Health & Medicine
Readers question mental health research
Maintaining mental health, protecting ocean critters and more in reader feedback.
- Life
CRISPR had a life before it became a gene-editing tool
Before it was a tool, CRISPR was a weapon in the never-ending war between microbes and viruses
- Animals
First fluorescent frogs might see each others’ glow
A polka dot frog, the first known fluorescent amphibian, may get a visibility boost in twilight and moonlight.
- Science & Society
‘Specimens’ goes behind the scenes of Chicago’s Field Museum
The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago puts seldom-seen specimens on display in a new exhibit to highlight the crucial role of museum objects in scientific research.
- Neuroscience
Food odors are more enticing to sleep-deprived brains
Sleep deprivation makes the brain more sensitive to food smells.
- Neuroscience
More brain differences seen between girls, boys with ADHD
ADHD looks different in the cerebellums of girls and boys with the condition.
- Animals
Camera trap catches a badger burying a cow
Badgers are known to bury small animals to save them for future eating. Now researchers have caught them caching something much bigger: young cows.
