As fires rage across Australia, fears grow for rare species
Plants and animals with small ranges and few individuals at high risk".
Metallurgy, Chemicals
Playing with tools—and weapons—was a ‘normal’ part of prehistoric childhood
Child-size spear throwers from 1700 years ago suggest ancient kids learned fast".
Chimps create ‘rock music’ by throwing stones at trees
Apes pick best sounding trees, possibly as a way to communicate".
Science groups, senator warn Trump administration not to change publishing rules
Letters blast rumored shift to immediate open access for taxpayer-funded studies".
Polio eradication program faces hard choices as endgame strategy falters
“All options are on the table” to fight alarming rise in vaccine-derived outbreaks".
Trump to nominate Arizona State computer scientist to lead the National Science Foundation
Sethuraman Panchanathan would succeed France Córdova in 6-year post".
Chinese scientist who produced genetically altered babies sentenced to 3 years in jail
He Jiankui and two collaborators were found guilty of “illegal medical practices”".
2020 U.S. spending bill restricts some animal research, pushes for lab animal retirement
Monkey, cat, and dog studies scrutinized at several federal agencies".
This 7000-year-old wall was the earliest known defense against rising seas. It failed
Sea wall was built as melting glaciers drowned coastal settlements across the globe".
Breakthrough of the Year, our favorite online news stories, and the year in books
On this week’s show: Our last of this year—we cover the Breakthrough of the Year; the best of online news; and science books, games, and films to check out for yourself or as a gift".
