Science of the Week, 6/12/15

Here are some of the most interesting science news stories I read this week:

Foreign language learning in adults associated with genetic variation

DNA breakage underlies both learning, age-related damage
(I hope that doesn't mean people who learn a lot age faster)

Researchers design the most precise quantum thermometer to date

Falling apart: over 95% of the world's population has health problems

Robots from South Korea, US win DARPA finals

Mission possible: This device will self-destruct when heated

Soft robotic glove could [help] loss of hand motor control from muscular dystrophy, ALS, or spinal cord injury

Crop adjustments may lessen climate change's economic effects

Scientists show fMRI memory detectors can be easily fooled

Scientists may have found red blood cells in 75-million-year old dinosaur fossil

Engineers develop a computer that operates on water droplets

Plan to convert U.S. to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2050

Man's best germs: does your dog influence your health?

Chimps may know when they are right and move to prove it

Could an Ebola treatment already exist?

MIT team creates ultracold molecules

Nuts and peanuts may protect against major causes of death


Have a good weekend, and see you Monday!