The puzzling sleep disorder known as narcolepsy stems from the destruction of a small group of brain cells. (p. 148)

The U.S. government opened the door for U.S. scientists to receive federal funding for research on stem cells from human embryos. (p. 148)

A new fuel additive, polyisobutylene, decreases automobile emissions by 70 percent while increasing power and mileage. (p. 149)

The first published report of cloning a gene for caffeine synthesis raises the possibility of creating decaf plants. (p. 149)

Astronomers may finally have found evidence of a key prediction of Einstein's general theory of relativity—that a spinning object drags space-time along with it. (p. 150)

Surgery to remove blockages from the carotid artery in the neck has lasting effects against stroke over several years and even provides some benefit when it's delayed. (p. 150)

Some children may have a genetic susceptibility to developing obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic ailments after a streptococcal infection. (p. 151)

Geologists provide evidence that quartz silt in ancient seabeds doesn't come from eroded land rocks, but rather from the dissolved skeletons of tiny primitive creatures, possibly altering the fossil record and changing models of prehistoric climate and ocean geography. (p. 151)

Boys may face an eventual reproductive risk from exposure to some of the ingredients that go into many common plastics, cosmetics, and medical supplies. (p. 152)

Islet-cell success may bring a diabetes cure closer. (p. 156)

Scientists can now efficiently transform bone marrow into nerve cells. (p. 155)

Sperm fertilizing an egg produce a whiff of nitric oxide. (p. 155)

A researcher fabricated evidence suggesting that never-before-seen RNA-DNA-hybrid molecules play a role in creating antibodies. (p. 155)

People who drink four or more cups of coffee per day appear more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis than are those drinking less. (p. 155)

People taking zinc to fight a cold report less coughing, less nasal discharge, and a shorter cold than do people getting a placebo. (p. 155)

A new online server offers a place for communicating chemistry research to other scientists quickly and without peer review. (p. 159)

A leading Russian environmentalist, Aleksandr Nikitin, says Russia's problems with nuclear-waste management should concern people beyond that country's borders. (p. 159)

A better fabrication process yields such a high-quality optical material that microchips using light, rather than electrons, may be close to reality. (p. 159)

A novel machine made from DNA also uses DNA as its fuel. (p. 159)