Life
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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- Life
Multicellular life arises in a test tube
A yeast experiment recapitulates a major early milestone in the history of life.
- Life
Genes & Cells
A look at how ovarian cancer spreads, plus clues to aging and immune links to cancer in this week’s news.
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- Life
Loophole found in genetic traffic laws
In a violation of textbook biology, a modified RNA component can cause the cell's protein-making machinery to run genetic stop signs.
- Chemistry
Dino proteins could have been sheltered
An analysis of collagen structure finds protective pockets, backing up claims of preserved tissue finds.
- Life
Ketamine’s antidepressant effect explained
A potential fast-acting treatment boosts the brain chemical BDNF, which may be lacking in depression.
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- Life
Female infidelity may violate goose-gander parity principle
Female birds stray from their mates in part because of cheating genes from their philandering fathers, a zebra finch study suggests.
- Humans
Human mutation rate slower than thought
First direct measurements show that the number of genetic typos inherited from each parent can be highly skewed toward either mom or dad.
- Life
Genes & Cells
Extreme sibling rivalry, mitochondrial breakups and tubular cells in this week’s news.
- Life
Diving spiders make their own gills
Eurasian diving bell spiders, the only truly aquatic arachnids, survive underwater with the help of “physical gills,” scientists say.
