Ask 10 people what makes humans human and you’ll probably get 10 different answers — and then some. From our biased perspective,…
Scientists spy on the secret inner life of bacteria
View slideshow On the surface, bacteria may appear bland. But there’s more going on inside than meets the eye, new…
When it comes to the flu, the nose has a long memory
After an influenza infection, the nose recruits immune cells with long memories to keep watch for the virus, research with…
Mouse sperm survive space to spawn
Mouse sperm could win awards for resilience. Sperm freeze-dried and sent into space for months of exposure to high levels…
How bearded dragons switch their sex
When things get hot, embryonic bearded dragon lizards turn female — and now scientists might know why. New analyses, reported…
Cells’ stunning complexity on display in a new online portal
View video Computers don’t have eyes, but they could revolutionize the way scientists visualize cells. Researchers at the Allen Institute…
DNA reveals how cats achieved world domination
The cat is starting to come out of the bag when it comes to revealing when and how wild felines…
Chronic flu patients could be an early warning system for future outbreaks
People with weakened immune systems might help scientists get a jump on the flu virus. Some flu virus mutations popped…
Bacteria genes offer new strategy for sterilizing mosquitoes
A pair of bacterial genes may enable genetic engineering strategies for curbing populations of virus-transmitting mosquitoes. Bacteria that make the…
Immune cells play surprising role in steady heartbeat
Immune system cells may help your heart keep the beat. These cells, called macrophages, usually protect the body from invading…