Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Paleontology
New dating of dino ancestor challenges Triassic timeline
New dates for geologic layers of well-known fossil formation show that dinosaurs and their ancient relatives were separated by less time than researchers thought.
- Genetics
DNA editing shows success in mosquito sterilization
A new gene drive that sterilizes females could reduce numbers of malaria mosquitoes
- Health & Medicine
High-potency pot smokers show brain-fiber damage
People who smoke potent pot had signs of damage in a brain communication link.
- Animals
Pygmy slow loris hibernates in winter
The pygmy slow loris truly hibernates, making it the first primate found outside Madagascar to do so, a new study says.
- Genetics
Human gene editing research gets green light
Gene editing research can move forward, but not for reproductive purposes, international summit committee says.
- Animals
A single penguin can break up a huddle
A new study documents how penguins regulate body temperature by forming huddles and breaking groupings apart.
- Animals
Pygmy slow loris in Asia takes unusual downtime in winter
The pygmy slow loris is the first primate outside Madagascar found to hibernate.
- Health & Medicine
Pregnancy hormone could keep multiple sclerosis at bay
A small trial hints that pregnancy hormone can reduce MS flare-ups.
- Genetics
Scientists consider new genetic power and its impacts
Thanks to CRISPR, scientists’ plans for effective use of gene drives suddenly look feasible.
- Genetics
Gene drives spread their wings
Gene drives may wipe out malaria and take down invasive species. But they may be difficult to control.
- Plants
Pretty flower uses dead arthropods to lure protectors
A sticky columbine from California lures arthropods to their death to lure protectors to the plant, a new study suggests.
- Paleontology
Long-necked monsters roamed more than Scotland’s lochs
The discovery of sauropod footprints in Scotland suggest the dinosaurs lived in lagoons.
