Artificial Intelligence
AI Tool Pinpoints Genetic Mutations That Cause Disease
Researchers have adapted the AI network to search for genetic changes linked to ill health
Stories by Nature magazine
Climate Change
World Governments Recommit to 2030 Goals to Save Humanity
United Nations secretary-general António Guterres is proposing a $500-billion annual stimulus package to meet the Sustainable Development Goals to preserve the environment and end poverty and hunger...
Consciousness
Prominent Consciousness Theory Is Slammed as Bogus Science
Researchers publicly call out theory that they say is not well supported by science, but that gets undue attention
Animals
Octopuses Used in Research Could Receive Same Protections as Monkeys
For the first time in the U.S., research with cephalopods might require approval by an ethics committee
Evolution
Possible New Human Species Found through 300,000-Year-Old Jawbone Fossil
A jawbone from eastern China that displays both modern and archaic features could represent a new branch of the human family tree
Natural Disasters
How Climate Change Made Libya’s Flooding Even More Devastating
Climate change, civil war and international sanctions all contributed to the devastation caused by some of Libya’s worst flooding ever, researchers say
Reproduction
Artificial Womb Trials in Humans Could Start Soon
U.S. regulators will consider clinical trials of a system that mimics the womb, which could reduce deaths and disability for babies born extremely preterm
Robotics
This Insect-Sized Robot Can Carry 22 Times Its Own Weight
The four-legged miniature machine is powered by tiny explosions
Medicine
Life-Changing Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Wins $3-Million Breakthrough Prize
A trio of scientists who developed the combination drug Trikafta are among the winners of five major awards in life sciences, physics and mathematics
Artificial Intelligence
Why Japan Is Building Its Own Version of ChatGPT
Some Japanese researchers feel that AI systems trained on foreign languages cannot grasp the intricacies of Japanese language and culture
Cancer
Newfound Stem Cell Might Explain How Breast Cancer Spreads to the Spine
New research in mice suggests that a stem cell involved in backbone development might help tumors from other parts of the body move to the spine
Anthropology
Ancient Human Fossil Trip to Space Raises Questions and Criticism
The decision to send hominin bones on a commercial spaceflight has raised eyebrows among paleontologists
Dinosaurs
‘Weird’ Dinosaur Prompts Rethink of Bird Evolution
A newly described fossil is as old as the “first bird,” Archaeopteryx, and represents a birdlike dinosaur that might have specialized in running or wading instead of flying...
Anthropology
Human Ancestors Nearly Went Extinct 900,000 Years Ago
A new technique for analyzing modern genetic data suggests that prehumans survived in a group of only 1,280 individuals
Pollution
Maui Fires Could Contaminate the Island’s Waters
Researchers in Hawaii are studying the effects of the deadly blazes on its island of Maui, including how they have impacted drinking-water quality and might affect local marine ecosystems...
Basic Chemistry
Rare Superheavy Oxygen Isotope Is Detected at Last
The long-awaited discovery of oxygen 28 might prompt physicists to revamp theories of how atomic nuclei are structured
Consciousness
If AI Becomes Conscious, Here’s How We Can Tell
A checklist derived from six neuroscience-based theories of consciousness could help assess whether an artificial intelligence system achieves this state
Biotech
How Gene-Edited Insects Are Providing Food, Fuel and Waste Disposal
Companies are recruiting black soldier flies and mealworms as a protein source in animal feed, fertilizer, biofuels and even as ingredients for burgers and shakes
Neuroscience
Brain-Reading Devices Allow Paralyzed People to Talk Using Their Thoughts
Two studies report considerable improvements in technologies designed to help people with facial paralysis to communicate
Neuroscience
Scientists Tried to Re-create an Entire Human Brain in a Computer. What Happened?
The Human Brain Project wraps up in September after a decade. It had notable achievements and a troubled past
