Clearest snapshot of human genomic diversity
The human reference genome has always been a remarkable but flawed tool. A new ‘pangenome’ aims to correct its oversights and omissions.
Science & Technology
Researchers measure the light emitted by a sub-Neptune planet’s atmosphere
Researchers observed exoplanet GJ 1214b’s atmosphere by measuring the heat it emits while orbiting its host star. Astronomers directly detected the light emitted by a sub-Neptune exoplanet — a category of planets that are larger than Earth but smaller…
African rhinos share retroviruses not found in Asian rhinos or other related species
Rhinoceros belong to a mammalian order called odd-toed ungulates that also include horses and tapirs. They are found in Africa and Asia. Until recently, evidence suggested that throughout their evolutionary history, gamma-retroviruses such as Murine le…
Extending the life of a lithium metal anode using a protective layer made of an extremely tough gel electrolyte
A research team has succeeded in substantially improving the cycling performance of a lithium metal battery by developing a mechanically very strong polymeric gel electrolyte and integrating it into the battery as a layer to protect the lithium metal a…
Kangaroo Island ants ‘play dead’ to avoid predators
They’re well known for their industrious work, but now a species of ant on Kangaroo Island is also showing that it is skilled at ‘playing dead’, a behavior that researchers believe is a recorded world first.
Water warming study shows unexpected impact on fish size
The theory that water-breathing animals such as fish will shrink due to global warming has been called into question by a new study.
The brain reacts differently to touch depending on context
The touch of another person may increase levels of the ‘feelgood’ hormone oxytocin. But the context really matters. The situation impacts oxytocin levels not only in the moment, but also later.
Human eyes really do play ‘tricks’ on the mind, say experts
A new study has shown that the human visual system can ‘trick’ the brain into making inaccurate assumptions about the size of objects in the world around them.
Research shows mobile phone users do not understand what data they might be sharing
Privacy and security features that aim to give consumers more control over the sharing of their data by smartphone apps are widely misunderstood, shows new research from the University of Bath’s School of Management.
Basic ‘toolkit’ for organ development is illuminated by sea star
One of the basic and crucial embryonic processes to unfold in virtually every living organism is the formation of hollow, tubular structures that go on to form blood vessels or a digestive tract, and through branching and differentiation, complex organ…