Life
- Genetics
Pacific islanders got a double dose of Stone Age DNA
Unlike other people, certain Pacific Islanders inherited DNA from two ancient human ‘cousins.’
- Brain
Cool jobs: Brainy ways to battle obesity
Scientists from different fields are tapping into connections between food and the brain to help people fight obesity and overcome the urge to overeat.
- Genetics
Genes: How few needed for life?
Scientists rebuilt a microbe using its old genes. But not all of them. They used as few building-blocks as they could get away with and still have the life-form survive.
- Genetics
Fattier yeast live long and prosper
Scientists were hoping to build better biofuels. Instead they discovered that fatter yeast cells live longer than lean ones.
- Chemistry
Microbes mine treasure from waste
Like miniature factories, bioreactors house microbes recruited to chew through wastes to clean dirty water, make chemicals or generate electricity.
- Animals
Spiders eat insects — and sometimes veggies
Plant-eating spiders have been found on every continent except Antarctica, a new study notes.
- Animals
Less brilliant flowers still keep bees coming back
Bumblebees prefer petals that aren’t overly shimmery. This suggests plants are attuned to what insects see.
- Brain
‘Mindfulness’ defuses stress in classrooms and teaching
The science behind mindfulness shows that both teachers and students can benefit from a bit of focused attention.
- Animals
Cool Jobs: Pet science
Pets make great subjects for research. These scientists work to make our animals — and us — healthier and happier.
- Chemistry
Explainer: Some supplements may not have what it takes
Dietary supplements made from plants may not contain all of the chemicals that usually make a particular plant healthy for humans.
- Life
Scientists Say: Yeast
For some people, yeast bring to mind slimy infections. But these little fungal beasts are used to make bread rise, too.
- Microbes
Plastic that mimics insect wings kills bacteria
A new ‘antibiotic’ plastic uses nanotechnology to mimic the hairs on insect wings. Then ouch! Bacterial cells that land on it end up stabbing themselves to death.
