700-year-old Bolivian mummies contain evidence of strep throat, the earliest known disease in the Americas
Researchers used ancient DNA analysis to identify the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) in a 700-year-old Bolivian mummy, confirming that streptococcal infections existed in the Americas before European exploration. The strain of streptococcus found in the mummy is similar to modern strains of streptococcus that cause strep throat and scarlet fever. Researchers say […]
New opioid reduces pain without causing hard-to-beat addiction in early studies
A new synthetic opioid designed to reduce pain could replace addictive painkillers such as morphine and fentanyl in patients, a study in laboratory rats suggests. This study suggests that newer opioids have a lower risk of addiction, but they may not be completely risk-free. Opioids are highly effective in treating severe pain associated with surgery, […]
Experimental drug doubles 1-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer
An experimental treatment doubles the one-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers, a new study reports. The drug, called elaglusib, targets the protective mesh that pancreatic tumors build around themselves, helping immune molecules and chemotherapy penetrate the tumor. Results from a trial demonstrating the safety and efficacy of elaglusib were published […]
This week in science news: Physicists see pinpricks of darkness faster than light, humans are still evolving and some polar bears are fatter than ever
This week’s science news follows last week’s climactic launch of the Artemis II mission, with a flurry of space and physics news that only melted our hearts even more. Topping the list was a microscopy technique that allowed scientists to observe for the first time a singularity in the coupling of light and sound waves […]
History of Science: Doctors dissect the brain of a man who could not speak, revealing the locus of spoken language – April 18, 1861
simple facts Milestone: Dissection of the famous patient “Tan” Date: April 18, 1861 Location: Bicêtre Hospital on the outskirts of Paris People: Dr. Paul Broca On April 18, 1861, a doctor in Paris cut open the brain of a patient who had died the previous day and unwittingly identified the brain regions key to spoken […]
Some polar bears are adapting to melting habitat. Is it enough to save iconic species?
Something amazing is happening to polar bears. People living on Svalbard in the Norwegian archipelago appear healthier than ever after eating hundreds of bird eggs. And in the warmer regions of Greenland, bears are showing signs of genetic adaptation to climate change. The discovery appears to be an unexpected silver lining for the beleaguered species, […]
Astronomers have discovered a pair of monster black holes that could collide in just 100 years – and Earth will feel it.
Astronomers may have discovered a pair of extreme light-spewing black holes spiraling toward a giant collision. Its effects may be felt in the next century. Astronomers used decades of radio telescope observations to study an ultra-bright object previously thought to be a blazar (the luminous core of a galaxy, usually driven by a black hole) […]
An Anglo-Saxon burial shows a sister hugging her younger brother after he died of an infection 1,400 years ago
Two Anglo-Saxon children buried together 1,400 years ago were brother and sister, DNA analysis of their remains reveals. A rare familial connection has been identified in Anglo-Saxon burials. British archeology program Time Team said the brothers may have died at the same time from a fast-acting illness. Archaeologists first discovered the unusual double burial in […]
The Colorado River may have pooled and overflowed to form the Grand Canyon, solving a long-standing mystery – but not everyone agrees
A new study suggests the Colorado River may have pooled as a giant lake in what is now northern Arizona and carved out the Grand Canyon after spilling downstream. Scientists have discovered that small sediment particles in the Bidahoti Basin, in the upper reaches of the canyon, were transported from the upper Colorado River basin […]
Bright green fireball meteor spotted exploding over Lindisfarne Castle, site of famous Viking raid in Britain
A photographer has captured a bright green fireball streaking across a starry sky above an iconic castle and famous Viking raid site in northeast England after a meteorite smashed apart as it entered Earth’s atmosphere. A meteorite exploded over the North Sea off the east coast of England just after midnight local time on Monday […]