How Humans Domesticated Themselves
Duke anthropologist Brian Hare argues that humans evolved in a way that left us more cooperative and friendlier than our now extinct human cousins, like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
Science
Advisers To CDC Debate How COVID-19 Vaccine Should Be Rolled Out
In advance of a COVID-19 vaccine being available, a group of independent medical advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weighed Friday who should get the vaccine first and how.
Why Some Memories Seem Like Movies: 'Time Cells' Discovered In Human Brains
Scientists have identified special cells in the human brain that organize movie-like memories, helping us to relive important experiences and events.
As Biotech Crops Lose Their Power, Scientists Push For New Restrictions
Some of the first GMOs – corn and cotton plants that have been genetically modified to fend off insects – are running into problems. Bugs have become resistant to them because they've been overused.
Scientists Find Cells In The Human Brain Responsible For Episodic Memory
Many memories are like short movies. People relive experiences such as arriving for the first day of school or falling off a bike. Scientists have shown how the brain organizes these episodes.
Scientists Find Massive Coral Reef In Australia's Great Barrier Reef
The 1,600-foot-tall coral reef is taller than the Empire State Building, and its base is a mile wide. It's the first time in 120 years since a coral reef this size has been discovered.
Mask-Wearing Is Up In The U.S., But Young People Are Still Too Lax, CDC Survey Finds
A general increase in mask-wearing has been encouraging, U.S. public health experts say. But too few young people, especially, are social distancing and taking other steps to slow coronavirus' spread.
The Dark Side Of The Recovery Revealed In Big Data
The way the government tracks recessions is largely the same as it was 70 years ago. A research group is working to change that and is revealing a lot about the lopsided recovery along the way.
'Kindred' Dismantles Simplistic Views Of Neanderthals
Rebecca Wragg Sykes describes evidence showing that as innovative tool- and fire-makers, Neanderthals adapted to changing climates, adopted symbolic cultural practices and expressed profound emotions.
They Work In Several Nursing Homes To Eke Out A Living, And That May Spread The Virus
Most nursing homes are connected by shared staff to seven others. Instead of limiting workers to one facility to curb COVID-19 spread, advocates urge better pay and more PPE for nursing home staff.