Life
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ChemistryDNA, RNA…and XNA?
Scientists create artificial genetic molecules that can carry information, evolve.
By Roberta Kwok -
- Genetics
Sniffing out truffle scent
Genetics, not geography, plays key role in the aroma of the delicacy.
By Roberta Kwok -
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- Fossils
Old relative steps down
Ancient human ancestor climbed trees but also walked clumsily upright on the ground.
- Humans
Becoming human
Two new studies suggest that during ice ages, steep drops in temperature may have sent ancient species moving to more temperate, or mild, areas. As a result, these species would have been isolated from other populations.
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EnvironmentSuffocating waters
Coastal animals around the world are spending more time in or around waters with too little oxygen.
- Fossils
Dino drama
Scientists study skulls to determine whether Triceratops and Torosaurus were two different species.
- Fossils
Early toehold on land
A five-toed fossil now holds the record for smallest, oldest foot ever found.
- Plants
Ancient flower blooms again
Scientists have found the fruit of an ancient plant that had been frozen underground in Siberia — a region covering central and eastern Russia — for about 31,800 years. Using pieces of the fruit, the scientists grew plants in a lab. The new blooms have delicate white petals. They are also the oldest flowering plants that researchers have ever revived from a deep freeze.
By Roberta Kwok