Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Life
Alga borrows genes to beat the heat, acid and toxic metals
Such genetic theft from bacteria and archaea is unusual among eukaryotes.
- Life
The Lady and Her Monsters
A Tale of Dissections, Real-Life Dr. Frankensteins, and the Creation of Mary Shelley's Masterpiece by Roseanne Montillo.
- Life
Mice get brain boost from transplanted human tissue
An experimental transplant of what have long been considered just support cells shows they may play a role in memory and learning.
- Chemistry
Missing link in taste chain identified
Taste-cell protein sends message to brain that tongue has detected sweet, bitter or umami flavor.
- Life
Camel ancestors lived in the Arctic
Fossils on Ellesmere Island suggest famous desert dweller got its start in cold regions.
- Animals
Native pollinators boost crop yields worldwide
Farms with crops from coffee to mangoes don’t get the best yields if they rely solely on honeybees.
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- Life
Impact craters may have been a toasty home for early life
The heat generated during a cosmic crash could have nurtured ancient organisms.
- Neuroscience
Tadpoles with eyes in their tails see the light
Transplanted eyes in the creature’s tail can distinguish between red and blue.
- Life
Scientists race to understand deadly new virus
Emerging virus causes severe illness, but doesn’t spread as quickly as SARS.
- Animals
How weaver ants get a grip
Strong sticking power and quick reaction time help the insects stay put in trees.
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