The Niitsitapi, or Blackfoot Indians, imagined that giant puffballs were created by fallen stars. They painted the fruit bodies of these globose fungi as white circles arising from a dark band along the bottom edge of tipi covers to symbolize the birth of life. In our era of global environmental damage, a strain of this indigenous reverence for fungi has been adopted as a symbol of hope.

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As climate change melts permafrost, microbes will emerge. The world isn’t paying enough attention to the potential threat they pose.

‘Cosmic collisions’ 12bn years ago could be key to understanding formation, say researchers.

Abstract. To gain insight into how researchers of aging perceive the process they study, we conducted a survey among experts in the field. While highlighting some common features of aging, the survey exposed broad disagreement on the foundational issues. What is aging? What causes it? When does it begin? What constitutes rejuvenation? Not only was there no consensus on these and other core questions, but none of the questions received a majority opinion—even regarding the need for consensus itself. Despite many researchers believing they understand aging, their understanding diverges considerably. Importantly, as different processes are labeled as “aging” by researchers, different experimental approaches are prioritized. The survey shed light on the need to better define which aging processes this field should target and what its goals are. It also allowed us to categorize contemporary views on aging and rejuvenation, revealing critical, yet largely unanswered, questions that appear disconnected from the current research focus. Finally, we discuss ways to address the disagreement, which we hope will ultimately aid progress in the field.

Natural selection isn’t just something that happens to organisms, their activities also play a role, giving some species – including humans – a supercharged ability to evolve.

By Kevin Lala

Combining quantum science with machine learning has led to a model that can accurately measure how surfaces feel to the touch.

Mechanical switches and protein meshes – this is a new way of looking at one of our most feared diseases.

The more exciting, transformative, and revolutionary a science result appears, especially coming out of nowhere, the more likely it is to be dead wrong. So, approach science headlines with a healthy amount of skepticism and patience.

By Paul Sutter

CRISPR is a way off being used in human therapeutics, but a new discovery could unlock its potential.

A nasal spray drug can counteract the cognitive decline and brain damage typical of Alzheimer’s disease in animal models.