Advances

A key genetic mutation—harmful in humans—may have opened the sky to bats

Researchers have created the first nerve-controlled prosthetic hand that can be used in daily life

A molecular additive allows different kinds of plastic to be recycled together

A battery-free GPS may change the game for tracking elusive animals

Male hellbender salamanders normally tend their young, but lately they’ve been devouring them instead

Scientists accidentally discover metals that mend themselves without human intervention

An age-old remedy that was prescribed by Hippocrates may be a cheap alternative to antibiotics for those with chronic wounds

Scientists are now growing mycelium, the fungal root network, into fire-retardant sheets to provide a safer, nontoxic way to protect buildings

Tilapia skin’s collagen can aid in healing burns, fixing heart valves, and more—and now it can be used for repairing corneas

Nanoparticles can allow long-term freezing of transplant organs

An electrode inspired by soft robotics could provide less invasive brain-machine interfaces

Ancient poop pathogens in Israel, Peru’s millennia-old El Niño preparations, a halt to Icelandic whale hunting, and much more in this month’s Quick Hits