Life

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Health & Medicine

    Studies shed light on Ebola’s M.O.

    New findings reveal a key step in how the deadly virus infects cells — and identify compounds that may thwart it.

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  2. Life

    Lager’s mystery ingredient found

    After scouring the globe, researchers find the missing ancestor of the yeast used to make cold-brewed beer in an unexpected place.

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  3. Life

    Antidepressants show signs of countering Alzheimer’s

    Human brain scans and mice data link serotonin-boosting drugs with reduced plaque density.

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  4. Life

    Butterfly species a master of disguise

    Supergene allows butterfly to mimic several species.

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  5. Life

    Genes & Cells

    A family without fingerprints and the long-term harm of sleep skimping in this week’s news.

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  6. Life

    Life

    Ancient Big Bird, a new marine species and more in this week's news.

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  7. Life

    Early stress is contagious in adulthood

    A zebra finch’s tough childhood shortens both its life and its mate’s.

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  8. Life

    Parkinson’s protein comes in fours

    A better understanding of alpha-synuclein's structure could lead to ways of treating or preventing the disease.

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  9. Humans

    Big fish return to Mexican marine park

    Most effects of overharvesting reversed within a decade.

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  10. Life

    Plants and fungi recognize generous trading partners

    Rewards — and consequences — stabilize underground biological market in mutualistic relationships.

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  11. Life

    Paper wasps help out for their own good

    Behavior that appears altruistic actually benefits number one.

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  12. Paleontology

    Sea monsters made great mothers

    Fossilized plesiosaur with fetus suggests ancient reptiles cared for their young.

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