Mammoths roamed the Earth for millions of years. They first emerged in Africa five million years ago and moved around the world before dying out around 4,000 years ago. Although they’re extinct, evidence of their presence – in the form of tusks – has now allowed scientists to reveal fascinating details of the animals’ evolution.

Researchers took three samples of mammoth tusks that had been preserved in permafrost in Siberia, dating back to more than one million years ago. After extracting the animals’ DNA, the team studied the pattern of chemical bases on it, making it the oldest DNA yet to be sequenced. The results revealed the lineage of mammoth evolution isn’t as simple as previously thought.

Genome sequencing, albeit for RNA instead of DNA, was also the technique by which scientists discovered the Kent variant of the coronavirus. Now, there’s a chance this variant is spreading more readily in children, causing an increase in the number of cases in young people in Italy and Israel.

Ever wanted to walk on the Moon or pay a visit to Mars? If so, here’s your chance. For the first time in 11 years, the European Space Agency is calling for applicants for its space programme – but have you got what it takes?

Abigail Beall

Science and Tech Editor

Current view of the steppe mammoth, an ancestor to the woolly mammoth. Beth Zaiken/Centre for Palaeogenetics

We sequenced the oldest ever DNA, from million-year-old mammoths

David Díez-del-Molino, Stockholm University; Love Dalén, Stockholm University

Our results have revolutionised the previously held view of the evolution of mammoths.

Children in Tel Aviv, Israel, playing on a merry-go-round, February 7, 2021. Abir Sultan/Shutterstock

Coronavirus: is the Kent variant responsible for the rise in cases among young people in Israel and Italy?

Simon Clarke, University of Reading

A spike in cases has been reported among young people in Israel and Italy.

Future astronauts will visit Mars. Shutterstock/Vadim Sadovski

Europe is recruiting astronauts: here’s what it takes to become one

Elisa Raffaella Ferrè, Royal Holloway

Many of people may have dreamed of becoming an astronaut since childhood, but do you have what it takes?

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