Life

Health, science, climate, and society-focused reporting.

Briefing: Neanderthals may have used birch tar for its anti-bacterial properties, experiments suggest

Strategic angle: A study indicates that Neanderthals likely utilized birch tar for treating wounds and other purposes.

Briefing: Remote working challenges linked to management issues

Strategic angle: Strong organizational and management capabilities are key to implementing and getting the most out of successful remote and hybrid working practices.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Pioneering research on salmon louse larvae could better inform parasite control strategies

Strategic angle: A first-of-its-kind University of Stirling study reveals significant differences in the secretions of salmon lice larvae, potentially enhancing control strategies.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: The fish species that knows when you are watching them

Strategic angle: Emperor cichlids react negatively to being observed, particularly when it comes to their young.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Astronomers search for 'exotrojans' hiding in extreme pulsar systems

Strategic angle: Exploring the mysterious Trojans of the cosmos, named after Greek mythology.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: A 'two-factor authentication' system that controls microRNA destruction

Strategic angle: A new study reveals how cells manage the lifespan of microRNAs to ensure proper gene regulation.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: First World Map Shows Impact of the Tidal Pulse in Coastal Rivers

Strategic angle: New research reveals how tidal fluctuations influence inland river systems, increasing flood risks.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Colliding dust and the sparks of creation: Carbon-coated grains provide new clue to life's early energy

Strategic angle: Two microscopic grains collide and produce a tiny spark, potentially providing the energy necessary for the emergence of life on Earth.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Mystery of quinine biosynthesis solved with newly discovered enzymes

Strategic angle: For over 350 years, quinine has been a crucial medicine against malaria, and new findings may enhance our understanding of its production.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Integrative archaeogenetics reveal how Southern Andean communities adopted farming and endured crises

Strategic angle: An interdisciplinary study reconstructs over 2,000 years of population history in Argentina's Uspallata Valley, shedding light on ancient agricultural practices.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Global study finds majority of people worldwide prioritize environmental protection over economic growth

Strategic angle: A new study reveals a global preference for environmental protection over economic growth amidst conflicting goals.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Can't stop endlessly scrolling? Tips to help you take back control

Strategic angle: The infinite scroll feature keeps users engaged, but here are ways to regain control over your screen time.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: A world‑first quantum battery charges faster when it gets bigger—but it's tiny and only lasts nanoseconds

Strategic angle: Imagine charging your phone almost instantly by exploiting the strange rules of quantum physics.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Rapid melting of Antarctic sea ice is largely driven by ocean warming, research reveals

Strategic angle: Research from the University of Gothenburg uncovers the factors behind the decline of Antarctic sea ice since 2015.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Widely Attended Gatherings (WAGs) Determinations Announced

Strategic angle: NASA reveals upcoming events that qualify as widely attended gatherings for 2026.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: NASA Grappling with Planetary Science Funding Shortfall

Strategic angle: NASA's planetary science program faces a funding shortfall, prompting strategic decisions on mission continuations.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Snail-derived compound could be a safer anticoagulant compared to heparin

Strategic angle: A new study suggests a snail-derived compound may reduce the risk of excessive bleeding associated with traditional anticoagulants.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Reasons for illegal fishing 'more nuanced' than previously thought, international research shows

Strategic angle: New research reveals the complex causes behind the resurgence of illegal fishing in northern Australian waters.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Microwave Quantum Network Shows Resilience Against Heat-Related Disturbances

Strategic angle: A new study reveals how quantum communication systems can maintain functionality despite thermal disruptions.

Editorial Staff Mar 18

Life

Briefing: Prodrug lipid nanoparticle could unlock universal immunotherapy for solid cancers

Strategic angle: Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) that could one day serve as a universal immunotherapy for cancers that form solid tumors.

Editorial Staff Mar 18