Uncategorized
- Science & Society
Human ancestors threw spears
Who threw first? Scientists had long believed that ancient people who lived 80,000 years ago were the first to throw spears with stone tips. But the discovery of 279,000-year-old stone spear tips in Ethiopia pushes that date back, and suggests prehuman species hunted with spears too.
- Science & Society
Bigger groups make better tools
As the size of a population grows, so too does its ability to quickly create clever new tools. Lab experiments suggest that connections between people give rise to the new creations.
- Life
Caught in the act
Scientists observe some evolutionary speed demons as they adapt over the course of just a few years to new environmental conditions.
- Fossils
Early tyrannosaurs would have feared this predator
A newfound dinosaur fossil appears to explain why ancestors of T. rex didn’t begin their growth in size — and dominance — any earlier than they did.
- Brain
Inheriting fear
Scared of something and don’t know why? Maybe your parents or grandparents passed along their fear to you, a new mouse study suggests.
- Animals
Mimicking mussels’ muscle
People who seek to get a grip on something — especially in wet environments — might want to take a lesson from some common shellfish. Among those who might benefit most: surgeons.
- Health & Medicine
New problem linked to ‘jet lag’
The body’s internal clock can be thrown off when people alter their day and night routines. That mix-up may lead to a buildup of immune cells that can cause inflammation, according to a new study on mice.
- Animals
Koalas’ very deep voice
Serenading males can sing some surprisingly low notes, and scientists have just uncovered how they do it.
- Health & Medicine
Mice on steroids
A new mouse study suggests the effects of steroids can last at least months. That’s long after most sporting authorities would be able to identify signs of doping in athletes.
- Science & Society
Many teens try alternatives to cigarettes
Teen use of cigarettes has dropped a bit in recent years. But many kids have been turning to other tobacco and tobacco-like products. And which they choose can differ sharply by gender and ethnic group.
- Plants
Gold can grow on trees
Australian researchers found leafy nano-evidence pointing to rich deposits of the precious metal deep below ground.
- Science & Society
Explainer: Inspirations — from Tom Swift to tomatoes
Childhood interests may lead to a career imagining how the future could play out
