Discoveries gleaned from ancient human DNA
Four research articles published in Nature follow the genetic traces and geographical origins of human diseases far back in time. The analyses provide detailed pictures of prehistoric human diversity and migration, while proposing an explanation for.....»»
Assessing the sustainability of the Pacific walrus population over the next 75 years
The Pacific walrus, a critically important resource for Alaska and Chukotka Native communities, is subject to rapid habitat loss associated with climate change and increasing human activity in the Arctic. New research published in The Journal of Wild.....»»
Neanderthals were making hand stencil rock art more than 66,000 years ago, U-series dating suggests
A discovery deep within a cave in Spain has challenged the history of human artistic expression. Researchers have determined that hand stencils in Maltravieso Cave are more than 66,000 years old, suggesting that Neanderthals, not modern humans, were.....»»
New study sheds light on when to stand out or fit in
When it comes to job interviews, conventional wisdom often suggests that standing out is key to securing a position—seemingly at odds with the general human tendency to conform. A new study by SFI Complexity Postdoctoral Fellow Katrin Schmelz and h.....»»
Peat-bog fungi produce substances that kill tuberculosis-causing bacteria
An analysis of fungi collected from peat bogs has identified several species that produce substances toxic to the bacterium that causes the human disease tuberculosis. The findings suggest that one promising direction for development of better treatm.....»»
Q&A: What fossils reveal about ancient Australian forests and fire
Australia's forest ecosystems, renowned for their extraordinary diversity of rare plants and animals, also play a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon. However, fossils from these ancient forests are reshaping the u.....»»
A survey of hundreds of vacationers confirms this ancient wisdom: The journey matters as much as the destination
Americans spent more than US$850 billion on domestic leisure travel in 2023, a sum that looks likely to rise in future years. Whether it's a weekend getaway to a Taylor Swift concert, a long-anticipated holiday visit with family, or a monthlong tour.....»»
Microscopy at the tip of a hair-thin optical fiber: New approach pre-shapes light for unprecedented control
Researchers at the University of Adelaide, as part of an international team, have developed an approach that makes advanced microscopy possible through an optical fiber thinner than a human hair......»»
How did human brains get so big? The answer could be in our gut
Brain tissue is among the most energetically costly in the body, and as a result, larger-brained mammals require more energy to support brain growth and maintenance. Exactly which biological changes allowed human ancestors to meet the very high needs.....»»
Ancient Iberian slate plaques may be genealogical records
A study published in the European Journal of Archaeology by Prof. Katina Lillios and her colleagues has provided a statistical evaluation that may suggest Late Neolithic and Copper Age Iberian (3200–2200 BC) engraved slate plaques may have been one.....»»
Treat AI like a human: Redefining cybersecurity
In this Help Net Security interview, Doug Kersten, CISO of Appfire, explains how treating AI like a human can change the way cybersecurity professionals use AI tools. He discusses how this shift encourages a more collaborative approach while acknowle.....»»
Evidence of human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a Brazilian zoo
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-led research at the Belo Horizonte Zoo in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has detected SARS-CoV-2 in multiple captive wild mammals, revealing potential human-to-animal transmission and viral evolution in new hosts......»»
Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis
Scientists have uncovered genetic variation in the unexplored DNA of the photosynthetic and energy factories of Arabidopsis plants, which plays a crucial role in the efficiency of photosynthesis in plants. These insights—published Nov. 27 in the Pr.....»»
Novel organoid mimics all three key cell types of pancreas to offer a view of early fetal development
Researchers from the Organoid group (previously Clevers group) at the Hubrecht Institute have developed a new organoid that mimics the human fetal pancreas, offering a clearer view of its early development. The researchers were able to recreate a com.....»»
Ancient maize samples in Brazilian caves suggest the crop"s domestication may have been completed in South America
Brazilian scientists have determined that ancient specimens of partially domesticated maize (Zea mays, also known as corn) originally from Peruaçu Valley in Minas Gerais state (Brazil) were the farthest from Mexico, the plant's historic center of or.....»»
New theory of flexible multimodal synchrony advances understanding of human interaction
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and Haifa University have unveiled a new theory of interpersonal synchrony that redefines how we understand social coordination and its role in human interaction. Titled "A Theory of Flexible Multimodal Synchrony,.....»»
Learning holistically toward well-being
In 2021, a project at Singapore Management University (SMU) led by Jochen Reb, a Professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resources was awarded funding to create a 12-week undergraduate elective module—Mindfulness-Based Holistic Education (MB.....»»
Resurrecting an ancestral protein as a novel tool to study RNA biology
By deducing the possible ancient forms of a bacterial enzyme, OIST scientists have resurrected one of its ancestral versions, with a comparably higher ability to chemically modify RNA......»»
Getting to the bottom of Cenozoic deep-ocean temperatures
Understanding ancient ocean temperatures—particularly from the Cenozoic era (the past 66 million years), in which Earth experienced dramatic climate shifts—helps scientists reveal more about the planet's past climates......»»
AI was everywhere in 2024"s elections, but deepfakes and misinformation were only part of the picture
It's been the biggest year for elections in human history: 2024 is a "super-cycle" year in which 3.7 billion eligible voters in 72 countries had the chance to go the polls. These are also the first AI elections, where many feared that deepfakes and a.....»»
From HR to work/life balance—How working life has (and hasn"t) changed since ancient Rome
While powerful figures tend to take up the most space in our history books, the vast majority of people in the ancient world were regular working class folks, and most people's lives revolved around the daily grind. A new book sheds light on working.....»»