Life

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Genetics

    Protective genetic variant may offer a path to future autoimmune therapies

    A natural tweak in the TYK2 protein strikes a balance between weak and overactive immune systems.

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  2. Genetics

    Genetic variant protects against rash of autoimmune diseases

    A natural tweak in the TYK2 protein strikes a balance between weak and overactive immune systems.

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  3. Neuroscience

    Eyes offer window into brain’s timekeepers

    In new experiments of time perception, when pupils were large, monkeys underestimated a second.

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  4. Paleontology

    First known fossilized dinosaur brain unearthed, scientists claim

    A dinosaur fossil that preserves brain tissue has been discovered for the first time, researchers announce.

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  5. Paleontology

    Picture of primate common ancestor coming into focus

    A new family tree analysis predicts behavior of primate common ancestor.

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  6. Paleontology

    Early birds could achieve liftoff

    Early birds and other flying dinosaurs had the strong legs and wing speed needed to launch into the air directly from the ground, researchers argue.

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  7. Life

    How to make a fish face, and other photo contest winners

    The tiny face of a 4-day-old zebrafish embryo snags the top spot in microscopy photography contest.

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  8. Genetics

    Ancient hookups gave chimps a smidge of bonobo DNA

    Genetic evidence suggests bonobos and chimpanzees interbred after becoming separate species.

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  9. Life

    Scientists need to redraw picture of cell’s biggest organelle

    A close-up view of the cell’s endoplasmic reticulum reveals a different structure.

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  10. Climate

    Climate change shifts how long ants hang on to coveted real estate

    Simulated climate warming reveals a new pattern in turnover of ant nests.

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  11. Genetics

    HIV came to NYC at least a decade before virus ID’d

    DNA analysis of early viral strains tracks U.S. debut to early ’70s

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  12. Animals

    With climate change, grizzly bears may hibernate less

    New research shows that food availability and weather are driving when grizzly bears enter and exit their dens for hibernation.

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