Life

Health, science, climate, and society-focused reporting.

Briefing: Mining the dark transcriptome: Synthesizing the first potential drug molecules from long noncoding RNA

Strategic angle: A team from University of Toronto Engineering pioneers a new approach to drug discovery by synthesizing long noncoding RNA outside the cell.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Breeding for bigger cattle may come with hidden fertility trade-offs

Strategic angle: A University of Queensland analysis reveals genetic links between cattle growth and fertility.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: 3D Imaging Reveals Messy-Looking Supraparticles Can Be Nearly Perfect Crystals Inside

Strategic angle: Researchers at Utrecht University have quantitatively mapped the three-dimensional structure of photonic supraparticles for the first time.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Antarctic waters DNA survey discovers many microbial genes new to science

Strategic angle: A groundbreaking study reveals the vast genetic diversity of microbial life in the Southern Ocean, enhancing our understanding of its role in global climate.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Opening the path to high-efficiency hydrogen production without expensive precious metals

Strategic angle: A research team has developed a non-precious metal catalyst for optimized hydrogen production.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Texas's controversial migrant busing program tied to 2024 voting shifts

Strategic angle: A new study reveals how Texas's busing programs influenced voting patterns in the 2024 election.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: 3D-printed photonic lanterns combine up to 37 multimode lasers into one fiber

Strategic angle: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking optical device that merges light from multiple lasers into a single fiber with minimal loss.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Soil health index finds restored mangroves can near full function

Strategic angle: Brazilian researchers have developed an index to measure mangrove soil health, showing restored areas can achieve near full functionality.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Your child has pathological demand avoidance? Here's what it means—and nine tips for what to do

Strategic angle: Understanding and managing pathological demand avoidance in children.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Insights into Spallation Mechanisms of Thermal Protection System Materials

Strategic angle: A study investigates the internal pressure build-up mechanisms in thermal protection system materials using mass spectrometry and HyMETS testing.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: A new model defines an upper limit to planetary radiation belt intensity

Strategic angle: A groundbreaking model reveals the maximum intensity of radiation belts surrounding celestial bodies, enhancing our understanding of planetary environments.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Scientists control 'free-flowing' electric currents with light

Strategic angle: A breakthrough in directing electric currents using light opens new possibilities in quantum materials.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Telomere breaks provide new insights into chaotic chromosome mutations

Strategic angle: Researchers at Cardiff University uncover mechanisms behind severe DNA damage linked to cancer and genetic conditions.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: One gene makes the difference: Breeding winter-hardy faba beans

Strategic angle: An international research team has identified a crucial genetic factor that determines the winter hardiness of faba beans.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Moisture-powered polymers could make cleaning CO₂ from air more efficient

Strategic angle: Innovative materials may enhance carbon capture technology amidst rising atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Why March Madness is a perfect storm for betting

Strategic angle: Sports betting continues to explode across the country, fueled by online platforms and celebrity endorsements.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Ancient parrot DNA reveals sophisticated, long-distance animal trade network pre-dating the Inca Empire

Strategic angle: New analysis of ancient parrot DNA highlights a complex trade network in pre-Inca times.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Antibiotic resistance can vary depending on where the bacteria live

Strategic angle: New research reveals that antibiotic resistance measurements are influenced by environmental conditions.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Impulse Space Expands Colorado Presence

Strategic angle: Space mobility company Impulse Space has opened a Colorado facility to support development of its spacecraft.

Editorial Staff Mar 10

Life

Briefing: Study shows spiral sound can shift sideways

Strategic angle: A new University of Mississippi study reveals that certain sound waves can move sideways, potentially enhancing acoustic technology.

Editorial Staff Mar 10