The Second Plague Pandemic of the mid-14th century, also known as the Black Death, killed 30-60 percent of the European population and profoundly changed the course of European history. New research suggests that this plague, potentially through resulting changes in diet and hygiene, may also be associated with a shift in the composition of the …

Study of ancient British oral microbiomes reveals shift following Black Death Read More »

A new study has confirmed that pesticides, commonly used in farmland, significantly harm bumblebees one of the most important wild pollinators. In a huge study spanning 106 sites across eight European countries, researchers have shown that despite tightened pesticide regulations, far more needs to be done.  ​A new study has confirmed that pesticides, commonly used …

Bees are still being harmed despite tightened pesticide regulations Read More »

Ancient footprints found in Lesotho resemble those left by birds, but they were made around 60 million years before the ancestors of birds split from other dinosaurs ​Ancient footprints found in Lesotho resemble those left by birds, but they were made around 60 million years before the ancestors of birds split from other dinosaurs Ancient footprints …

Unknown animals left birdlike footprints long before birds existed Read More »

When we engage in social interactions, like shaking hands or having a conversation, our observation of other people’s actions is crucial. But what exactly happens in our brain during this process: how do the different brain regions talk to each other? Researchers provide an intriguing answer: our perception of what others do depends more on …

When we see what others do, our brain sees not what we see, but what we expect Read More »

The discovery of the phantom touch illusion provides insights into human perception and opens up new perspectives for interaction with virtual reality technology. ​The discovery of the phantom touch illusion provides insights into human perception and opens up new perspectives for interaction with virtual reality technology. The discovery of the phantom touch illusion provides insights into …

When we feel things that are not there Read More »

How did the molecular building blocks for life end up on Earth? One long-standing theory is that they could have been delivered by comets. Now, researchers have shown how comets could deposit similar building blocks to other planets in the galaxy. ​How did the molecular building blocks for life end up on Earth? One long-standing …

‘Bouncing’ comets could deliver building blocks for life to exoplanets Read More »

We’ve known for more than a century that women outlive men. But new research shows that, at least in the United States, the gap has been widening for more than a decade. ​We’ve known for more than a century that women outlive men. But new research shows that, at least in the United States, the …

US men die 6 years before women, as life expectancy gap widens Read More »