A doughboy's lungs yield 1918 flu virus

Eighty-year-old samples of a doughboy's lungs contain genes from the deadliest flu virus known.

X-ray microprobe unveils biostructures

A new form of X-ray microscopy allows researchers to map the distribution of protein and DNA in cells and other biological structures.

A gene that silences the X chromosome

Scientists are closing in on how the cells of women inactivate one of their two X chromosomes, an essential event if the cell is to survive.

Molecular motor spins out energy for cells

Scientists have taken movies of the world's smallest rotary motor, an enzyme that makes fuel for biochemical processes.

Working memory may fail in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia may involve a disturbance of working memory, the ability to keep several bits of information in mind for a short time and apply them to mental challenges.

Shedding light on a gamma-ray mystery

What may be the visible-light afterglow of a gamma-ray burst coincides with the position of a faint galaxy and may help solve the mystery of where gamma-ray bursts come from.

New station recommended for the South Pole

The United States should go ahead with plans to rebuild its aging science station at the South Pole, an independent review panel concludes.

Gene tool may crack open microbial secrets

A new genetic tool may help scientists understand how methane-producing archaea recycle carbon.

Research Notes:

Biotechnology:

The shell in the soap

A biodegradable polymer from an oyster shell may be finding its way into such products as detergent and disposable diapers.

Earth Science:

Deep sea not immune to climate change

Even thousands of meters below the waves, deep-sea creatures suffer from climate changes.

Could gas blast have warmed globe?

Melting of frozen methane deposits in the sea may have caused a mysterious heat wave in ancient times.

Behavior:

Hunches pack decisive punches

People rely on intuitive knowledge about uncertain situations to guide their decisions, with conscious reasoning arising as an afterthought.

Prospects for beating bulimia

A statistical analysis of available studies suggests that women suffering from bulimia tend to recover after 5 to 10 years, regardless of whether they obtain treatment, although treatment may speed their recovery.

Articles:

Computers and Proof

Applying automated reasoning to prove mathematical theorems

A computer program designed to reason in a general way solved a a problem that had stumped mathematicians for more than 60 years.

Marijuana on Trial

Is marijuana a dangerous drug or a valuable medicine?

New political forces are prompting a reconsideration of marijuana's medicinal role in a variety of diseases.

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