Science & technology
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Windows on the past
Freeze-dried chromosomes can survive for thousands of years
They contain unprecedented detail about their long-dead parent organisms
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Artificial intelligence
Researchers are figuring out how large language models work
Such insights could help make them safer, more truthful and easier to use
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Periods
A scientific discovery could lead to leak-free period products
Polymers from algae can turn menstrual blood into a gel
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Aquaculture
Vaccines could keep salmon safe from sea lice
A successful jab would be a boon to fish farmers
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Brewed awakenings
New yeast strains can produce untapped flavours of lager
One Chilean hybrid has a spicy taste, with hints of clove
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Neurosurgery
A new technique could analyse tumours mid-surgery
It would be fast enough to guide the hands of neurosurgeons
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Tropical biology
The world’s most studied rainforest is still yielding new insights
Even after a century of research, Barro Colorado in Panama continues to shed light on natural life
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Best foot forward
A new bionic leg can be controlled by the brain alone
Those using the prosthetic can walk as fast as those with intact lower limbs
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Palaeontology
How the last mammoths went extinct
Small genetic mutations accumulated through inbreeding may have made them vulnerable to disease
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High alert on high
The race to prevent satellite Armageddon
Fears of a Russian nuclear weapon in orbit are inspiring new protective tech
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Large language models
At least 10% of research may already be co-authored by AI
That might not be a bad thing
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Viruses
A deadly new strain of mpox is raising alarm
Health officials warn it could soon spread beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo