A study in Science shows bonobos can engage in pretend play, a trait previously thought to be unique to humans. Researchers observed Kanzi, a bonobo who understood English, consistently identifying the location of imaginary juice and grapes during experiments, suggesting that the ability to imagine objects might have evolved before humans and bonobos diverged from a common ancestor.

Burn injuries have played a significant role in human evolution, according to a study in BioEssays. The study finds that frequent exposure to fire led to genetic adaptations that improved wound healing and infection resistance. "It is part of the story of what makes us human, and a part that we really did not have any inkling of before," says Armand Leroi, an author of the study.

A new species of small-bodied dinosaur, Foskeia pelendonum, has been identified from fossils in northern Spain, challenging previous assumptions about dinosaur miniaturization. Researchers confirmed the dinosaur was fully grown by analyzing bone growth patterns, and the discovery of skull bones allowed for the identification of unique anatomical features. The study in Papers in Paleontology provides new insights into the evolutionary relationships among plant-eating dinosaurs, suggesting closer ties between species separated by vast distances.

New research challenges the existence of dark matter, proposing instead that gravity behaves differently on large scales. The study, published in Physical Review Letters B, uses quantum field theory to suggest that gravity's strength shifts over galactic distances, potentially explaining galaxy rotation without dark matter. "My work opens a path toward understanding dark matter phenomena not as missing particles, but as a subtle feature of gravitation itself," says Naman Kumar, study author.

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences examines how the spring thaw affects arsenic levels in lakes near Yellowknife, Canada, contaminated by the now-closed Giant Mine. Researchers found that arsenic levels decreased in most lakes as the thaw began, except in Sammy's Lake, where meltwater increased contamination. The study also notes that the form of arsenic shifted to the less toxic arsenate due to the influx of oxygenated meltwater.

Weight loss may lead to better cardiometabolic health regardless of changes in body fat percentage or fat distribution, researchers reported in the journal Obesity. The study was based on data from two weight-loss interventions: a one-year lifestyle intervention for adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes and a 12-week hypocaloric diet for adults with overweight or obesity without Type 2 diabetes.

A new study published in Neurology Open Access reveals that women adhering closely to a Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce their risk of stroke. The research from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center analyzed data from over 133,000 female educators in California. Findings indicate an 18% reduction in overall stroke risk, with specific decreases in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes by 16% and 25%, respectively. The study underscores the importance of a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins while minimizing red meat and processed foods.

Adi Tarca, a professor at Wayne State University, has received a $423,500 NIH grant to identify placenta-specific plasma proteomic biomarkers that can predict fetal death earlier. The grant aims to find additional proteins in maternal blood to improve prediction accuracy beyond the two known biomarkers.

Sigma Xi is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Awards. Members are encouraged to submit nominations for all awards, including the Walston Chubb Award for Innovation, the Linda H. Mantel Next Generation Women's Leadership Award and the Gold Key Award -- the Society's highest honor. Follow the link below to learn more about each award, including submission information and criteria. Learn more.

During the month of November, Sigma Xi members voted online in the 2025 elections in which 13 candidates were elected or re-elected for leadership positions at the national or regional level. Beverly Karplus Hartline will begin her term as president-elect on July 1, 2026, followed by president of the Society the following year. Read more.