Catherine Griffin : Science World Report

Jan 13, 2015 08:32 AM EST

BPA and BPS in Plastics May Cause Changes in Brain Development

Bisphenol A, known as BPA, is produced in massive quantities to use in consumer products. Now, scientists have discovered that both BPA and BPS (bisphenol S) may cause alterations in brain development that leads to hyperactivity.

Jan 13, 2015 08:09 AM EST

Ancient Fossil Reveals Human Ancestors Were Not 'Shark-Like'

Scientists have learned a bit more about the the last common ancestor of all jawed invertebrates. By looking at a 415 million-year-old fish skull, they've discovered that this common ancestor was, most likely, not very shark-like and that sharks, in general, aren't "primitive."

Jan 13, 2015 07:10 AM EST

Mass Die-Offs of Fish and Birds Rise Over 70 Years

It turns out that mass die-offs may be rising among birds and fish. Scientists have analyzed 727 mass die-offs of nearly 2,500 animal species from the past 70 years and found out that these events are increasing.

Jan 12, 2015 08:27 PM EST

Fish's 'Sixth Sense' Detects Flow Signals in Water

It turns out that fish have a "sixth sense." Scientists have found that fish have the ability to detect flows of water, which allows them to respond better to their environment.

Jan 12, 2015 12:52 PM EST

The Origins of Maize: DNA Tests Reveal Two Paths

Maize is one of the staples of the Americas and now, scientists are learning a bit more about its ancient history. Researchers have analyzed the DNA of corn cobs and have found that maize actually followed two paths into the southwest.

Jan 12, 2015 12:09 PM EST

Scientist Spot Brain Protein that May Cause Autism When Disrupted

Scientists have taken a closer look at synapses in the human brain and now, they may have discovered a mechanism linked to autism. They've identified a protein that, when disrupted, could lead to the development of autism.

Jan 12, 2015 11:07 AM EST

Ancient Viruses May Make Our Brains Smarter

Could viruses make us smarter? Scientists have examined inherited viruses that are millions of years old and have found that they play an important role in building up the complex networks that characterize the human brain.

Jan 12, 2015 10:01 AM EST

AI Plays a 'Perfect Game' of Texas Hold'em Poker

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing by leaps and bounds as technology improves. In fact, computer systems have been built that can beat human players in games. Yet defeating top human players isn't the same as actually solving a game. Now, though, scientists have solved heads-up limit hold'em po...

Jan 12, 2015 09:11 AM EST

The Decline of the Rapa Nui People Linked to the Environment of Easter Island

Scientists have uncovered a bit more about the indigenous society that inhabited Rapa Nui. It turns out that significant changes in land use and population dynamics could be to blame for the disappearance of these native people.

Jan 12, 2015 08:26 AM EST

Humans Erode Soil 100 Times Faster Than Nature

Scientists have discovered that removing native forest and starting intensive agriculture can accelerate soil erosion so dramatically that in a few decades, as much soil lost as would naturally occur over thousands of years.

Jan 12, 2015 07:30 AM EST

Global Warming Hiatus May Have Been Caused by Volcanic Eruptions

Over the past 15 years, a warming "hiatus" has impacted the world. Now, scientists have found out what might have caused this stall in global warming: volcanic eruptions.

Jan 10, 2015 07:12 AM EST

Why Animals Evolved Different Colors

What caused animals to evolve different colors? Why do individuals from the same population display different color morphs? Scientists have now examined a species of fish to unravel this mystery in evolutionary biology.