Life

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Genetics

    Ancestral humans had more DNA

    A new genetic diversity map marks where humans have gained and lost DNA.

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  2. Animals

    First known venomous frogs stab with toxin-dripping lip spikes

    Two Brazilian frogs jab foes with venoms more deadly than pit vipers'.

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  3. Life

    Chemical magic transforms skin cells into nerve cells

    Just a few chemicals can transform skin cells from Alzheimer’s patients and healthy people into nerve cells.

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  4. Life

    Source of liver’s ability to regenerate found

    Scientists have identified stem cells behind the liver’s legendary ability to replenish its tissue.

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  5. Animals

    Parasitic wasp larva gets more than a meal from its spider host

    Parasitic wasps coerce spiders to construct strong supports for cocoons.

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  6. Chemistry

    Plants’ ‘don’t-eat-me’ chemicals no problem for earthworms

    Newly discovered gut compounds called drilodefensins allow earthworms to pack in plant debris loaded with hazardous chemicals.

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  7. Life

    Gastric bypass surgery changes gut microbes

    Weight loss surgery changes microbes for good.

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  8. Life

    Gastric bypass surgery changes gut microbes

    Weight loss surgery changes microbes for good.

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  9. Animals

    LED lights make moths easy targets for bats

    Bright LED lights may bewilder moths, making them vulnerable to predator attacks.

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  10. Neuroscience

    Astrocytes help speed up brain’s messages

    Astrocytes may help speed nerve cells’ electrical messages.

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  11. Animals

    Don’t let Cecil the lion distract from the big conservation challenges

    Cecil the lion’s death rocketed across the news and social media. But there are bigger conservation challenges that need attention, too.

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  12. Genetics

    How Ethiopian highlanders adapted to breathe thin air

    Lower levels of a heart protein may help Ethiopian highlanders breathe thin air, researchers report.

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