An experimental SARS vaccine, tested in monkeys, can be administered directly to the respiratory tract and requires only a single dose to confer immunity. (p. 3)

Modeled after antitheft magnetic strips, a new implantable glucose sensor for diabetes patients could do away with daily pinprick tests. (p. 3)

A jet of matter and radiation emanating from a newly discovered black hole could provide a new probe of the first stars and the radiation left over from the Big Bang. (p. 4)

An inflammation-fighting plant extract, taken hours before consuming alcohol, appears to suppress some of the symptoms brought on by a bout of heavy drinking. (p. 4)

A 930,000-year-old fossil cranium found in Africa widens the anatomical spectrum of Stone Age human ancestors and expands debate over how they evolved. (p. 5)

For the first time, a green plant has been found to break down nitrogen-containing compounds into the readily usable form of nitrates, a job usually done by microbes. (p. 5)

Three fossil neck bones from an ancient flying reptile—one of them with the broken tip of a tooth embedded in it—indicate that the winged creatures occasionally fell victim to meat eaters. (p. 6)

Scientists are finding the molecular targets of anesthetics. (p. 8)

New studies suggest that adverse health effects related to global warming aren't just a theoretical concern for the distant future. (p. 10)

Planetary scientists are feasting on close-up images of Comet Wild 2 as well as on the first information about its composition. (p. 13)

Neurons in a developing embryo respond to changes in their electrical activity by altering the types of chemical messengers that they produce. (p. 13)

Attention deficits and learning disabilities have joined the list of neurological problems associated with the intestinal disorder known as celiac disease. (p. 13)

An unusually shaped protein may help a bacterium thrive in tough times. (p. 13)

Some jumping spiders, long considered visually oriented animals, turn out to utilize seismic communication for a successful courtship. (p. 14)

A fungus-growing ant may be the first ant species known to have no power of sexual reproduction. (p. 14)

The sidekick male in the two-bird courtship display of lance-tailed manakins has to leave when the mating starts but may reap delayed benefits in real estate and performance practice. (p. 14)

Richardson's ground squirrels may occasionally use ultrasound when calling out in response to a disturbance. (p. 14)

(p. 15)