For the first time, scientists have identified a gene that appears to influence the development of at least some cases of dyslexia. (p. 131)

Much of the material in several thick layers of sandstone in the western United States originated in the Appalachians. (p. 131)

By temporarily counteracting a black hole's tremendous tidal forces, a proposed black hole life preserver would slightly lengthen the life and shorten the agony of anyone exploring one of these gravitational beasts. (p. 132)

After more than a decade of work, an international team has found the main gene that separates the girls from the boys among honeybees. (p. 132)

A new class of electrically conducting organic molecules provides researchers with improved materials with which to fabricate plastic electronic devices. (p. 133)

Ultralow doses of estrogen and progesterone given to postmenopausal women boost bone density compared with placebos, without causing the adverse effects seen in some women who get larger doses of these hormones. (p. 133)

Astronomers are closely tracking the ebb and flow of magnetic activity and powerful flares on stars other than the sun. (p. 134)

Researchers have designed computer systems aimed at amplifying human thought and perception, such as a new type of cockpit display for aircraft pilots that exploits the power of peripheral vision. (p. 136)

A mathematician has proposed a new approach to resolve a long-standing question about infinite sets of numbers. (p. 139)

A look inside a piece of 130-million-year-old amber has revealed a thin filament of spider silk with sticky droplets that look just like those produced by modern spiders. (p. 141)

People who meditate display particularly strong immune responses and brain activity that has been linked to emotional improvements, according to preliminary data. (p. 141)

The size and chemical makeup of some nanotubes being developed for industrial operations resemble mineral fibers, including asbestos, that pose a serious cancer risk. (p. 142)

The approved test for evaluating the ability of wastes to leach toxic metals fails to identify lead risks from some electronics equipment. (p. 142)

A proliferating pollutant shed by nonstick products and surfactants caused neonatal deaths and developmental impairments in tests with rodents. (p. 142)