Life Briefing: How DICER cuts microRNAs with single-nucleotide precision Strategic angle: A research team from HKUST uncovers the precise mechanism of the DICER enzyme in RNA silencing. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Where did the ancient Greeks and Romans think lightning came from? Hint: not just the gods Strategic angle: Ancient civilizations had unique interpretations of lightning, often attributing it to divine forces. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: JWST Probes Emerging Young Star Clusters in Nearby Spiral Galaxy NGC 628 Strategic angle: An international team of astronomers uses the James Webb Space Telescope to observe the spiral galaxy NGC 628, revealing insights into young star clusters. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Musk's Twitter takeover highlights danger of owner-dominated social media platforms Strategic angle: A new study warns that Elon Musk's transformation of Twitter into X signifies the emergence of a potentially authoritarian control over social media. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Why drawing eyes on food packaging could stop seagulls stealing your chips Strategic angle: The increasingly urban lifestyles of seagulls in the UK and around Europe have made them experts at grabbing food from unsuspecting outdoor diners. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Dishwashing with side effects: Kitchen sponges release microplastics Strategic angle: A study reveals that kitchen sponges may be a significant source of microplastics in households. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Mussel-inspired glue from recycled plastics can be detached and reused Strategic angle: Researchers develop a tough, reusable adhesive from waste polymers that performs well in various environments. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Dogs can overdose too: Naloxone training can save pets as well as humans Strategic angle: Opioid-class drugs pose overdose risks for both humans and pets, highlighting the importance of Naloxone training. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Two buried Iron Age hoards reveal first evidence for four-wheeled wagons in Britain Strategic angle: A significant archaeological discovery in North Yorkshire sheds light on ancient transportation. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Motivated employees get more out-of-role work, even when it costs bonuses Strategic angle: A study reveals that motivated employees are willing to take on additional tasks without expecting financial rewards. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Superconducting altermagnets could carry spin without energy loss Strategic angle: Researchers propose a new class of magnetic materials that may enhance superconductors' capabilities. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Artemis 2 returns to the pad for April launch attempt Strategic angle: The Artemis 2 launch vehicle and spacecraft have returned to the launch pad for a launch as soon as April 1. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Scientists create wheat-only gel from bran fiber and gluten protein Strategic angle: A breakthrough in utilizing wheat by-products for nutritious applications. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Predicting RNA activity expands therapeutic possibilities Strategic angle: With AI, researchers can now predict RNA activity, opening new avenues for therapeutic development. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: A student volunteer and a mesh suit helped us figure out how mosquitoes reach their targets Strategic angle: Undergraduate Chris Zuo's experiment reveals insights into mosquito behavior through a unique mesh suit. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Moons orbiting wandering exoplanets could be habitable—with one catch Strategic angle: Provided they host thick, hydrogen-dominated atmospheres, moons orbiting free-floating exoplanets could retain much of the heat generated deep within their interiors by tidal forces. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Expert opinion on AI, automation, and the future of work Strategic angle: Yale economist Pascual Restrepo discusses the implications of AI on labor markets in a comprehensive Q&A. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Critically endangered monkey gives birth after surgery saves her foot Strategic angle: A 15-year-old roloway monkey at Chester Zoo has welcomed a baby following life-saving surgery. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: Long overlooked as crucial to life, fungi start to get their due Strategic angle: As efforts to study and conserve fungi expand, researchers say a 'shroom boom' is underway. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Life Briefing: US and Israel’s war on Iran is a disaster for the environment, analysis shows Strategic angle: Exclusive: War has led to 5m tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in two weeks and is draining the global carbon budget faster than 84 countries combined. Editorial Staff Mar 21