Lab notes: abominable news for yeti-hunters but a strong week for women's bones

Not yeti: that was the disappointing message for those hopingDNA analysis of nine ‘yeti’ specimens would at last prove the existence of the abominable snowman. Instead, the samples were shown to belong to eight bears and a dog. Still, scientists say the testing has shed light on the evolutionary “family tree” of bears, so that’s something at least. Much cheerier is the fascinating news thatprehistoric women ’s arms were stronger than those of today’s elite rowers. A bone analysis and comparison with modern women has revealed profound effect of manual agricultural labour on the human body – and shed new light on the role of women in ancient communities. Further archaeological excitement surrounded the news thatexperts believe they have pinpointed the place where Julius Caesar ’s fleet landed to begin their invasion of Britain in 54BC – Pegwell Bay, on the eastern tip of Kent. Nearby excavations have revealed the remains of an ancient defensive base, bones and iron weapons, which point to the bay as the most likely landing spot for a Roman fleet. And finally, a new generationcancer drug offers tantalising hope for an HIV cure after boosting the immune system and reducing the reservoir of dormant HIV cells in a patient. However, as this is a single case, much more research will be needed – but it’s a glimmer of hope.Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - December 1, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Tash Reith-Banks Tags: Science Source Type: news