Life

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Neuroscience

    Diet and nutrition is more complex than a simple sugar

    A new study shows that fructose may leave you wanting more when compared to the same dose of glucose. But in studies of single nutrients, it’s important to be cautious.

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  2. Genetics

    Genes and environment balance each other

    Genes and environment have equal influence on human traits.

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  3. Neuroscience

    No-pain gene discovered

    Scientists have identified a new genetic culprit for the inability to perceive pain.

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  4. Genetics

    A billion years of evolution doesn’t change some genes

    Human genes can substitute for 47 percent of essential genes in baker’s yeast, new research shows.

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  5. Animals

    These birds provide their own drum beat

    Male Java sparrows use bill clicks in their songs, which they learn from their dads.

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  6. Climate

    Tranquil ecosystems may explain wild swings in carbon dioxide stashing

    Semiarid ecosystems, such as grasslands and shrublands, are behind the large variation in the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide sucked in by land each year.

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  7. Genetics

    Mutations that drive cancer lurk in healthy skin

    Healthy tissue carries mutations that drive cancer, samples of normal skin cells show.

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  8. Neuroscience

    Brain implants let paralyzed man move robotic arm

    Implanting tiny silicon chips in the action-planning part of a paralyzed man’s brain let him smoothly control a robotic limb with his thoughts.

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  9. Genetics

    Ancient DNA pushes back timing of the origin of dogs

    DNA extracted from the fossil of an ancient wolf indicates dogs and wolves diverged longer ago than previously thought.

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  10. Animals

    Octopuses can ‘see’ with their skin

    Eyes aren’t the only cephalopod body parts with light-catching molecules.

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  11. Animals

    Rising temperatures may cause problems for cold-blooded critters

    Ectotherms cannot easily handle extreme temperatures, a new study finds.

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  12. Paleontology

    Suds versus nanoparticles and more reader feedback

    Readers discuss the posture of an ancient reptile and why washing machines and nanoparticles don't mix.

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