Archivo: Nature News

Ancient skull uncovered in China could be million-year-old Homo erectus
Fieldwork is under way to excavate a rare, well-preserved specimen in central China.

CRISPR tools found in thousands of viruses could boost gene editing
Phages probably picked up DNA-cutting systems from microbial hosts, and might use them to fight other viruses.

How many yottabytes in a quettabyte? Extreme numbers get new names
Prolific generation of data drove the need for prefixes that denote 1027 and 1030.

Should I join Mastodon? A scientists’ guide to Twitter’s rival
The open-source platform has added nearly half a million users in little more than a week — but should scientists make the leap? We examine the pros and cons.

Electrical stimulation helps paralysed people walk again — and now we know why
Detailed gene-activity map could pave way for more precise treatments for many more people with spinal-cord injuries.

Cancer drugs are closing in on some of the deadliest mutations
The protein KRAS, mutated in many cancers, was deemed ‘undruggable’. Now scientists are hoping to save lives with a batch of new compounds that target it.

Faster MRI scan captures brain activity in mice
Improved technique could provide fine-scale insights into how brain regions communicate.

Human ‘mini-brains’ implanted in rats prompt excitement — and concern
Rat–human hybrid brains offer new ways to study human neuro disorders, but also raise ethical questions.

DeepMind AI invents faster algorithms to solve tough maths puzzles
Machine-learning technique improves computing efficiency and could have far-reaching applications.

Alzheimer’s drug slows mental decline in trial — but is it a breakthrough?
Researchers are cautiously optimistic following companies’ announcement of positive results for lecanemab.