All Stories
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ChemistryNew money for undergraduate research
A new program will foster interdisciplinary physical-science research at predominantly undergraduate colleges.
By Janet Raloff -
EarthAnimal ancestors may have survived ‘snowball Earth’
Chemical fossils in Precambrian sedimentary rock push back the first date for animal life.
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SpaceEarly galaxy bulges in the middle
By tracing star birth in a galaxy that existed when the universe was less than 1 billion years old, researchers have captured what appears to be the formation of a key galactic component — a central concentration of stars known as the bulge.
By Ron Cowen -
LifeEarliest whales gave birth on land
Recently discovered fossils of a protowhale help fill in gaps in the land-to-water transition.
By Sid Perkins -
HumansOn Science & the Fearsome OMB
President Obama has directed federal budget masters to put public interests first when they review proposed regulations.
By Janet Raloff -
SpaceSmallest known transiting planet discovered
Astronomers have found the smallest known extrasolar planets that is blocking light from its parent star. The discovery could help reveal information about the structure of planets that may resemble Earth.
By Ron Cowen -
Health & MedicineNeedles can stick it to pain
Acupuncture lessens pain, but so do needles randomly stuck in the skin, a new analysis shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
ChemistryNonstick chemicals linked to infertility
Featured blog: Infertility doubled in women who had high concentrations of commercially produced nonstick chemicals polluting their blood.
By Janet Raloff -
LifeNemo could get lost again as seawater approaches acidity
Reef fish raised at a seawater pH expected for the year 2100 don't smell their way around normally.
By Susan Milius -
Health & MedicineChocolate may have arrived early to U.S. Southwest
A new study suggests that people in America’s Southwest were making cacao beverages as early as A.D. 1000.
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HumansWhen dreams come true
People see hidden truths in their dreams and use dreams to guide waking attitudes and behaviors, especially when dream content supports pre-existing beliefs, researchers say.
By Bruce Bower -