Fishing trawlers could harm water quality by disrupting seafloor microbes
A unique experiment in Australia shows trawling reduces removal of nitrogen pollution".
Metallurgy, Chemicals
The secret to a long life? Matching sex chromosomes
A new study helps explain why male and female animals often have different life spans".
Top stories: Bungled coronavirus testing, disarming ‘atomic bomb’ cells, and jet stream blocking
This week’s top Science news".
‘We put everything into it.’ Modest telescope could have big impact on Turkish science
Scientists hope the new 4-meter Eastern Anatolia Observatory will be a boon to astronomy in the region".
Science advisers slam EPA’s new stream and wetland protection rule
Plan lacks "a scientific basis," panel says".
Trump administration expands reach of EPA secret science proposal
Revised version greatly expands reach of controversial rule, analysts say".
Is your dog anxious? Genes common to its breed could play a role
New study finds aggression, separation anxiety, and fear cluster in different breeds".
Dog noses detect heat, the world faces coronavirus, and scientists search for extraterrestrial life
On this week’s show: Dogs may be the first mammals besides vampire bats to use their noses as thermal sensors, our international editor shares the latest on COVID-19, and questions about what exactly constitutes evidence for extraterrestrial life".
UK cues up big funding increases for R&D
Plan aims to boost public and private R&D spending to 2.4% of GDP by 2025".
European Mars rover delayed until 2022
Problems with parachutes, solar panels, and electrical shorts postpone launch of ExoMars".
Science’s leading role in the restoration of Notre Dame, and the surprising biology behind how our body develops its tough skin
On this week’s show: Scientists are leading Notre Dame’s restoration—and using the fire to probe its mysteries—and liquid-liquid phase separation may be key to our skin’s tough exterior".
Embattled spider biologist seeks to delay additional retractions of problematic papers
Community effort to verify data integrity of his papers goes quiet as co-authors, journals wait for university investigations".
Social distancing prevents infections, but it can have unintended consequences
Past research sheds light on the potential impacts of isolation".
‘Polo-obsessed’ Chinese noblewoman buried with her donkey steed
Donkey bones in her grave suggest a bigger role for the humble equine".
Disease experts call for nationwide closure of U.S. schools and businesses to slow coronavirus
Letter signed by scores of scientists and physicians urges tougher enforcement of social distancing measures".
This gnarled pile of fossils was once a giant structure—made of Ice Age mammoths
Russia’s oldest mammoth bone ring may have held ritual significance".
Prominent U.S. climate denial group fires president amid financial crisis
Heartland Institute recently laid off about half its staff".
Top neuroscientist leaves Mexican university as former trainees allege sexual harassment
His former boss acknowledges receiving multiple accounts of sexual misconduct, but no formal complaints".
Medical groups push to save institute that helps doctors and patients choose the right treatment
Despite mixed reviews, many say PCORI is now on track and Congress should renew it".
Unrest over citizenship policies could imperil India’s census
Social scientists warn of undercount, attacks on census takers".