A study published today offers fascinating insights into how people lived in Africa around 50,000 years ago using a relatively new technique in anthropology: ancient DNA analysis. By combining DNA garnered from archaeological human remains with other sources, including linguistics and oral and written histories, the team was able to discern how widely African peoples moved and intermingled in a period known as the Later Stone Age.

One of the more shocking pieces of news to me about the coronavirus from the past year was the discovery that infection of white-tailed deer in the U.S. is widespread. More than a dozen captive and wild species have been infected. Three veterinary researchers from Colorado State University provide an overview of the science on this subject of animal virology and explain why it matters to both animal and human health.

A great thing about working with academics is hearing about some of the solutions to big problems that they’re crafting. Engineering professor Roger Bales reports on a solar canal project slated to be tested in California’s Central Valley, in which Bales’ research team is participating. As you can see from the artist’s rendition below, solar panels will cover a portion of California’s extensive water canals, providing electricity and reducing evaporation.

Also in this week’s science and research news:

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Together with artifacts from the past, ancient DNA can fill in details about our ancient ancestors. Nina R/Wikimedia Commons

Ancient DNA helps reveal social changes in Africa 50,000 years ago that shaped the human story

Elizabeth Sawchuk, University of Alberta; Jessica Thompson, Yale University; Mary Prendergast, Rice University

A new study doubles the age of ancient DNA in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing how people moved, mingled and had children together over the last 50,000 years.

White-tailed deer are one of the few wild species that scientists have found to be infected with the coronavirus – at least so far. Andrew C/WikimediaCommons

Deer, mink and hyenas have caught COVID-19 – animal virologists explain how to find the coronavirus in animals and why humans need to worry

Sue VandeWoude, Colorado State University; Angela Bosco-Lauth, Colorado State University; Christie Mayo, Colorado State University

Scientists have been testing captive and wild animals for the coronavirus since the pandemic began. Only a few wild species are known to carry the virus, but many more have been shown to be susceptible.

An artist’s rendering of a solar canal. Robin Raj, Citizen Group & Solar Aquagrid

First solar canal project is a win for water, energy, air and climate in California

Roger Bales, University of California, Merced

Covering the state’s canals with solar panels would reduce evaporation of precious water and help meet renewable energy goals – all while saving money.

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