A massive crowd-sourced family tree is helping researchers look at long-term cultural and genetic trends.

Novel imaging techniques are making it possible to study the brain while it’s at work. These new, non-invasive tools – representing significant advances related to positron emission tomography (PET), 3-D microscopy and the use of magnetic fields and nanoparticles to remotely control targeted cells – permit the real-time study of neural activity in unprecedented detail.

The research team hopes to sample bacteria from other mummies in South America and Asia to develop a more complete picture of human migrations.