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.....»»
This ancient tadpole fossil is the oldest ever discovered
Scientists have discovered the oldest-known fossil of a giant tadpole that wriggled around over 160 million years ago......»»
Prolonged brain development of marmosets could serve as model for human evolution
The development of primate brains is shaped by various inputs. However, these inputs differ between independent breeders, such as great apes, and cooperative breeders, such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and humans. In these species, gro.....»»
Bones from shipwreck suggest right- or left-handedness could affect how clavicle chemistry changes with age
A new study of human skeletal remains from the wreck of the 16th century English warship "Mary Rose" suggests that whether a person is right- versus left-handed may influence how their clavicle bone chemistry changes as they age. Dr. Sheona Shankland.....»»
How life began on Earth: Model suggests ancient Earth had organic-rich atmosphere
The key to unlocking the secrets of distant planets starts right here on Earth. Researchers at Tohoku University, the University of Tokyo, and Hokkaido University have developed a model that considers various atmospheric chemical reactions to estimat.....»»
Changing climate could increase mobility of toxic metals in soils, experimental study shows
The changes scientists expect in the climate could cause toxic metals naturally occurring in soils to become more mobile, destabilize ecosystems and increasingly enter the human food chain via agriculture. Such scenarios are particularly likely to oc.....»»
How life began on Earth: Modeling the ancient atmosphere
The key to unlocking the secrets of distant planets starts right here on Earth. Researchers at Tohoku University, the University of Tokyo, and Hokkaido University have developed a model that considers various atmospheric chemical reactions to estimat.....»»
Compact in-incubator imaging device allows real-time remote monitoring of cell growth
Unlike most cells in the human body, stem cells have the unique ability to divide indefinitely. This property makes them especially appealing to scientists exploring ways to extend human lifespans or develop new methods for repairing damaged tissues......»»
A Lost Mayan City Has Been Found With Laser Mapping
Archaeologists have revealed an ancient lost Mayan city using advanced laser mapping technology, unearthing monumental structures such as pyramids and plazas. Named Valeriana, the city is believed to have been founded before 150 AD......»»
Volcanic "cryptic carbon" emissions may be a hidden driver of Earth"s past climate
An international team of geoscientists led by a volcanologist at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has discovered that, contrary to present scientific understanding, ancient volcanoes continued to spew carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from deep with.....»»
A new genetic web tool can help restore climate-resilient marine ecosystems
In the face of increased human pressures and climate change, a team of Australian scientists led by Dr. Georgina Wood at Flinders University has launched a new online tool to assist marine managers and restoration experts to bolster the resilience of.....»»
Climate change driving "record threats to health": report
Climate change poses a growing threat to human health in a variety of record-breaking ways, a major report said Wednesday, the experts warning that "wasted time has been paid in lives"......»»
How harmful are microplastics to human health?
Microplastics have been found throughout the human body -- including inside lungs, blood and brains -- and while it is not yet clear how harmful they are to our health, some researchers are sounding the alarm......»»
Beehive fences prove effective against elephant raids in Kenya
A groundbreaking, nine-year study has revealed that elephants approaching small-scale farms in Kenya avoid beehive fences housing live honey bees up to 86% of the time during peak crop seasons, helping to reduce human-elephant conflict for local farm.....»»
Open database of plastic products highlights substantial knowledge gaps
Plastics contain a vast number of chemicals, some of which greatly impact the environment and human health. However, information on the presence of individual substances in plastic products is oftentimes not publicly available......»»
Modeling study addresses future algal blooms and human impact
What does the future hold for our lakes globally—clear waters or widespread algal blooms? A new study is the first to model and project algal blooms on a global scale under different socio-economic and climate scenarios. Conducted by the UK Centre.....»»
Underwater Temple from ‘Indiana Jones Civilization’ Discovered
An ancient temple made by Arabian immigrants from the Nabataean culture has finally been found off the Italian coast.....»»
Apple’s new video gives the M4 Mac mini a human-like personality
Apple launched the M4 Mac mini today. There’s an event-style video introduction that goes in-depth on the new device, but Apple has also released a separate, shorter marketing video. In the new video, the M4 Mac mini gets a human-like personality......»»
How can you write data to DNA without changing the base sequence?
A new method lets anyone with a kit write data to DNA with just one enzyme. Zettabytes—that’s 1021 bytes—of data are currently generated every year. All of those cat videos.....»»
From fish to clean water, the ocean matters—how to quantify the benefits
Nature protection, conservation and restoration is "not a trivial matter but key to human survival," according to scientists quoted in a 2005 UN report. To demonstrate this, they developed the concept of "ecosystem services"—the benefits that peopl.....»»
For some reason, NASA is treating Orion’s heat shield problems as a secret
“I’m not going to share right now. When it comes out, it’ll all come out together.” For those who follow NASA's human spaceflight program, a burning question for the last.....»»