So-called 'junk' DNA plays a key role in speciation
Study suggests the system of chromosomal organization made possible by satellite DNA is a reason organisms from different species cannot produce viable offspring
Plastic Barriers May Not Stop COVID-19 Spread, Experts Say
May not help, and in fact, could make the situation worse by blocking normal air flow
This Wasp Nest of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine
Under ultraviolet light, the silk that covers the base of paper-wasp nests turns neon green.
Ants Use Soil Physics To Excavate Meter-Long Tunnels That Last Decades
Ant colonies can descend several metres underground, house millions of insects and last for decades, despite being made without the benefit of machinery and reinforcing material.
First 3D-bioprinted structured Wagyu beef-like meat
3D-printing a meat alternative containing muscle, fat, and blood vessels arranged to resemble steaks
Geneticists map the rhinoceros family tree
Solving a question going back to Darwin's time about the relationships among the world's five living rhinoceros species
A Shifting Climate Gave Humans Many Opportunities to Leave Africa
A new paleoclimate model finds many favorable windows when Homo sapiens might have survived a migration out of Africa.
Like Venom Coursing Through the Body: Mechanism Driving COVID-19 Mortality Identified
Researchers have identified what may be the key molecular mechanism responsible for COVID-19 mortality – an enzyme related to neurotoxins found in rattlesnake venom.
Human Brain Patterns May Help Build a Better AI System
Artificial intelligence (AI)–powered neural networks modeled on real human brain connectivity patterns perform cognitive tasks better than traditional AI systems, new research suggests.
A plundered pterosaur reveals the extinct flyer’s extreme headgear
A seized fossil reveals the full glory of a winged reptile from the age of the dinosaurs.
Oldest genome from Wallacea shows previously unknown ancient human relations
Portions of the genome did not match these groups. This brings new surprises about the evolution of modern humans.
Johnson & Johnson booster shot increases antibodies to coronavirus nine-fold, company says
Will health officials recommend J&J recipients to receive a booster dose?
A Big Step Forward in the Search for Alien Life: New Class of Exoplanet Very Different to Our Own
Astronomers have identified a new class of habitable planets, dubbed ‘Hycean’ planets – hot, ocean-covered planets with hydrogen-rich atmospheres
Heart Problem More Common After Covid-19 Than After Vaccination, Study Finds
The research did not assess the risks specifically for young males, who are the most likely to develop the rare side effect.
Actinium’s radius revised to solve cancer therapy mystery
Chemistry of one of Earth’s rarest elements remains mysterious, though not for lack of trying
How Migraines Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes
People who get migraines are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, while some people who develop diabetes become less prone to migraines.
“Inescapable” COVID-19 Antibody Discovery – Neutralizes All Known SARS-CoV-2 Strains
An antibody therapy that appears to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains, and other coronaviruses, was developed with a little help from structural biologist Jay Nix.
Children's Upper Airways Primed to Combat SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Upper airways of children are pre-activated and primed to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection: may contribute to stronger early immune responses
Why the Feds Are Building a Massive Army of Tiny Wasps
Few people ever actually see the insect itself – just the trail of destruction it leaves behind
Gelatins may protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease
A traditional Chinese medicine successfully protected neurons from amyloid-induced death
Why Do Short Lung Infections Lead to Long-Lasting Lung Damage?
Study points to mechanism of post-viral lung damage; suggests targets of intervention.
400-Million-Year-Old Fossils Reveal How the First Roots Evolved
A plant fossil from a geological formation in Scotland sheds light on the development of the earliest known form of roots.
Wireless Microscale Neural Sensors Enable Next-Generation Brain-Computer Interface System
Coordinated network of independent, wireless microscale neural sensors, each about the size of a grain of salt, to record and stimulate brain activity