Life
- Archaeology
This hominid may have shared Earth with humans
Newfound fossils in South Africa point to a far more recent age for Homo naledi than had been accepted. If correct, this hominid might have coexisted with humans — even interacted with our species.
- Brain
Scientists Say: Hippocampus
The hippocampus is an area of the brain that is essential for forming new memories.
- Animals
Scientists are rethinking the dinosaur family tree
The dinosaur family tree consists of three main branches. Or maybe not. A new study suggests a rewrite is due.
- Brain
Two brain areas team up to make mental maps
To find your way around, you need to remember where you are and plan ahead. A new study shows there’s a brain area for each task.
- Life
‘Nanostraws’ safely sneak a peek inside cells
Scientists have developed tiny straws that let them peek inside a living cell without killing it or even damaging it.
- Brain
Just viewing super-size meals can promote overeating
Large portions of food dampen activity in a brain area involved in self-control, a new study shows.
- Animals
Industrious badger caught burying an entire cow
Badgers are known to bury small animals. That allows them to save a meal for future dining. Now researchers have caught them caching something much bigger: young cows.
- Brain
Food smells better to sleepyheads
People who want to resist junk foods or overeating may want to make sure they get a good night’s rest. Being tired makes the scent of foods more appealing, a new study finds.
- Brain
Noticing mistakes boosts learning
People who pay attention to their mistakes are more likely to do better the next time, data show.
- Animals
Among mice, scratching is catching — as in contagious
Contagious itching spreads by sight, mouse-to-mouse. Scientists have now identified brain structures behind this phenomenon.
- Life
Fleets of flying robots could pollinate crops
Tiny flying drones use patches of sticky hair to capture pollen. One day they might join bees in pollinating crops.
- Plants
Scientists Say: Guttation
When water vapor can’t escape a plant, it might force its way out through a process called guttation.
