Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ecosystems
Mapping rainforest chemistry from the air reveals 36 types of forest
Aircraft analysis of tree chemicals reveals new biodiversity in the Peruvian rainforest.
- 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.
- 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.
- Animals
Coral reef crab named after Harry Potter characters
Bizarre rubble-dwelling crab named after critter collector and Harry Potter characters.
- Life
Rapid Ebola test to detect early infection in the works
Scientists are developing highly specific antibodies to detect Ebola sooner.
- 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.
- Health & Medicine
Ricin poisoning may one day be treatable with new antidote
Mice treated with a blend of antibodies survived even when treated days after exposure to ricin.
- Health & Medicine
Cold plasma puts the chill on norovirus
A new device uses cold plasma to kill foodborne pathogens.
- Life
Horses buck evolutionary ideas
Horse evolution doesn’t fit classic scenario of trait evolution.
- Life
Malaria molecule makes blood extra-alluring to mosquitoes
Scientists have identified a molecule that draws mosquitoes to malaria-infected blood.
