Headlines

DNA reveals a hidden pitviper species in China

A vivid green pitviper hiding in Sichuan’s misty mountains has been revealed as a completely new species. Scientists had overlooked it for decades, assuming it was a common snake—until DNA analysis proved otherwise. Named after Laozi, it features striking differences between

Plants can sense the sound of rain, new study finds

The next time you find yourself lulled by the patter of rain outside your window, think how that same sprinkle might sound if you were a tiny seed planted directly below a free-falling droplet. Would you still be similarly soothed? In fact, MIT engineers have found the opposite

Two common drugs may reverse fatty liver disease, study finds

Scientists have discovered that combining two existing drugs can dramatically reduce liver fat linked to a common and often silent disease. The treatment not only improved liver health in animal models but also showed potential to lower heart-related risks. Interestingly, using

Ancient DNA reveals a hidden Neanderthal group frozen in time

A remarkable genetic breakthrough has uncovered what may be one of the clearest snapshots yet of a Neanderthal “community” living together 100,000 years ago in what is now Poland. The findings reveal that these individuals shared genetic ties with Neanderthals spread across

Improving scientific accuracy in journalism

Journalists bring scientific findings to the public, and to policymakers, who often rely on media reports rather than primary literature to provide context for policymaking. However, media reports can and often do distort scientific findings. Reporters with little scientific

Getting the jump on evolution: Cane toads adapt at speed

A new study comparing invasive cane toads in Japan and Australia has found substantial changes in body size and shape have developed much more rapidly than suggested by long-held ideas of the pace of evolution. Researchers measured and weighed wild-caught cane toads (Rhinella

Mapping the hidden structure of the universe

The universe has a hidden structure, and a University of Virginia professor is mapping it in 3D, using 46 million galaxies and quasars and 19 million stars. Satya Gontcho A Gontcho, an assistant professor in the Department of Astronomy, is part of a team using the Lawrence

How changing ice conditions impact Great Lakes communities

A research collaboration, including a team of students from the University of Michigan, has published a new report that dives into an understudied aspect on changing ice cover on the Great Lakes. Namely, how do residents, business leaders and other stakeholders in the region