Genomics unwraps mystery of the Tarim mummies

The unexpected origins of a 4000-year-old people, protecting your ‘digital presence’ and what to expect from COP26.In this episode:00:48 The origins of the mysterious Tarim mummiesFor decades there has been debate about the origins of a group of 4000-year-old individuals known as the Tarim Basin mummies. Their distinct appearance and clothing has prompted scientists to hypothesise they had migrated from the North or West. Now, a team of researchers have used modern genomics to shed new light on this mystery and reveal that migration was not the mummies’ origin.Research article: Zhang et al.News and Views: The unexpected ancestry of Inner Asian mummies08:59 Research HighlightsMaking wood mouldable, and how ancient snakes diversified their diets.Research Highlight: Moulded or folded, this wood stays strongResearch Highlight: Finicky no more: ancient snakes ate their way to success11:09 How a regular ‘digital-hygiene’ check can protect your reputationAttaching a researcher’s name to a paper without them knowing is an unscrupulous practice that can have serious repercussions for the unwitting academic. To prevent this, computer scientist Guillaume Cabanac is advocating a once-a-month ‘digital-hygiene’ check, to identify incorrect acknowledgements, and help prevent research malpractice.World View: This digital-hygiene routine will protect your scholarship18:51 What to expect from COP26This week sees the start of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), with a...
Source: Nature Podcast - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: podcasts