All Stories
- Life
One ocean, four (or more) killer whale species
Killer whales may be at least four species, a new study of mitochondrial DNA shows.
- Earth
BP oil rig’s sinking and gushing crude raise questions
Around 10 p.m. local time on April 20, the Deepwater Horizon — a floating oil-drilling platform leased to British Petroleum — suffered an explosion and fire about 40 miles off the Louisiana coast. While the aftermath of that devastating accident is now being observed and chronicled in painful detail, even the most basic features of what triggered it remain sketchy.
- Health & Medicine
Epigenetic changes show up in people with PTSD
Study finds alterations in genes tied to immune system and brain development, but whether they cause the disorder remains unclear.
- Physics
Making clouds with lasers
Inspired by a classic particle physics experiment, researchers get water droplets to condense by shooting a light beam skyward.
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- Earth
Wringing hope from crashing biodiversity
Biodiversity losses have not slowed despite a treaty designed to protect variety in the natural world.
- Physics
Reverse engineering a quantum compass
Physicists propose a method that could explain how birds’ magnetic-sensing organs work.
- Health & Medicine
Vitamin D: Obese and ‘uniform’ risks
Although Vitamin D insufficiency has reached what might be considered epidemic proportions, it’s failed to move onto the radar screens of most physicians, much less consumers. A host of new studies now link excess weight with a deficiency in this, the sunshine vitamin. But that wouldn’t explain why female soldiers become increasing D-ficient during basic combat training. For them, an Army study suggests, the problem may trace to what they wear.
- Animals
Aphids make their own bright colors
The insects’ ancestors adapted fungal DNA for manufacturing vital compounds.
- Space
Measuring the weakest of forces
Precise measurements could be used to map tiny fluctuations in the surface properties of materials.
- Space
Mediterranean microfossils offer hope for finding life on Mars
A discovery in sulfate minerals on Earth suggests the possibility of similar signs of life on the Red Planet.
- Life
DNA comparison of identical twins finds no silver bullet for MS
The first study of its kind suggests an unknown environmental cause for multiple sclerosis, but future research could still yield a genetic trigger.
