Simplification of larynx let humans have excellent pitch control with long and stable speech sounds Scientists have identified evolutionary modifications in the voice box distinguishing people from other primates that may underpin a capability indispensable to humankind: speaking.Researchers said on Thursday that an examination of the voice box, or larynx, in 43 species of primates showed that...

Jakapil kaniukura was about 5ft long and probably walked upright in then-steamy Patagonian landscape about 100m years agoPalaeontologists have announced the discovery of a previously unknown small armoured dinosaur in southern Argentina, a creature that probably walked upright on its back legs roaming a then-steamy landscape about 100m years ago.The Cretaceous period dinosaur, named Jakapil...

Unwarranted expressions of anger cause the aggressor much more long-term stress and distress than the receiver of the aggression, says Sophie ThompsonAs a psychotherapist and care coordinator in a busy, underfunded child and adolescent mental health services unit in the NHS, I field a lot of anger (‘Don’t take it out on our staff!’: How did Britain become so angry?, 4 August)....

Prolonged mental activity leads to buildup of potentially toxic neurotransmitter in brain, study findsIt’s a familiar feeling on a Friday evening. After finishing a gruelling day’s work, you finally agree with friends on where to meet for a night out.But by the time you have figured out what to wear and where you left your keys, a night on the sofa begins to sound more appealing than one on...

Specialised shape thought to have evolved to let dinosaur spread stress across skull as it chewed preyWith a huge body, sharp claws, and dagger-like teeth, Tyrannosaurus rex would not have relied on looks to kill. But research suggests its eyes may have contributed to its bone-crushing bite.A study has proposed the keyhole-shaped eye sockets of T rex may have helped to disperse stress across the...

Between 2018 and 2020 China published 23.4% of the world’s scientific papers, eclipsing the USChina has overtaken the US as the world leader in both scientific research output and “high impact” studies, according to a report published by Japan’s science and technology ministry.The report, which was published by Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTP) on...

Research suggests some vegetarians may not get sufficient nutrients for good bone and muscle healthWomen who are vegetarian are more likely to experience hip fractures in later life than those who frequently eat meat, a UK study has found.Researchers analysed health and diet records from more than 26,000 women and found that over a roughly 22-year period, vegetarians were a third more likely to...

Could the food we eat and the air we breathe be damaging our immune systems? The number of people with autoimmune diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis to type 1 diabetes, began to increase around 40 years ago in the west. Now, some are also emerging in countries that had never seen the diseases before.In this episode from January 2022, Ian Sample speaks to the genetic scientist and consultant...

New deaths in Africa plummet 70% but rise 19% in Middle East, as World Health Organisation urges countries not to drop their surveillance of virusSee all our coronavirus coverageThe number of coronavirus deaths fell 9% in the past week while new cases remained relatively stable, according to the latest weekly pandemic report released by the World Health Organization.The UN health agency said on...

Data from Australia’s square kilometre array radio telescope was processed by a new supercomputer called Setonix – named after WA’s quokkaFollow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcastWithin 24 hours of accessing the first stage of Australia’s newest supercomputing system, researchers have processed a series of...