Life

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Paleontology

    New dolphin fossil makes a splash

    A newly discovered dolphin fossil provides clues to the evolution of river dolphins in the Americas.

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  2. Paleontology

    New dolphin fossil makes a splash

    A newly discovered dolphin fossil provides clues to the evolution of river dolphins in the Americas.

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  3. Animals

    Some jellyfish sting deeper than others

    A new study shows that some jellyfish have nematocysts that can sting deep into the skin. That may explain why their sting is so painful.

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  4. Life

    New microscope techniques give deepest view yet of living cells

    Two new microscopy techniques are helping scientists see smaller structures in living cells than ever glimpsed before.

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  5. Life

    New microscope techniques give deepest view yet of living cells

    Two new microscopy techniques are helping scientists see smaller structures in living cells than ever glimpsed before.

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  6. Earth

    Volcanic activity convicted in Permian extinction

    Precision dating confirms that Siberian volcanic eruptions could have triggered the Permian extinction.

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  7. Animals

    Coral competitor becomes ally in fight against starfish

    On the reef, algae compete with coral. But they may also protect coral from attacks by crown-of-thorns starfish, a new study finds.

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  8. Neuroscience

    The need to feed and eating for pleasure are inextricably linked

    Scientists used to think that the hunger and the pleasure from food could be easily distinguished. But new results show these systems are inextricably intertwined.

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  9. Animals

    Tropical songbirds get their growth spurt late

    Tropical songbirds are late bloomers, but that delayed development may give them an advantage after leaving the nest.

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  10. Animals

    Decoy switches frogs’ mating call preference

    A female túngara frog may switch her choice between two prospective mates when presented with a third, least attractive option.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Vaccinated man excretes live poliovirus for nearly 3 decades

    For almost 30 years, a man with an immune deficiency has been shedding poliovirus strains that have evolved from the version he received in a vaccine.

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  12. Animals

    Tropical songbirds get their growth spurt late

    Tropical songbirds are late bloomers, but that delayed development may give them an advantage after leaving the nest.

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