Feature
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A Rocky Start
A new origin-of-life theory holds that life began within the confines of iron sulfide rocks surrounding hydrothermal vents at the ocean bottom.
- Earth
Eye of the Tiger
Recent research has upended a 130-year-old, previously unchallenged theory about how the semiprecious stone called tiger's-eye is formed.
By Sid Perkins - Health & Medicine
Infectious Notion
Lessons from gene therapy promote viruses as cancer fighters.
By Ruth Bennett -
- Tech
Digital Cells
Researchers are gearing up to create cells with computer programs hardwired into the DNA.
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- Astronomy
Big, Bigger . . . Biggest?
Galaxy map reveals the limits of cosmic structure.
By Ron Cowen -
Words Get in the Way
New studies explore people's tendency to have trouble recalling faces or other hard-to-describe perceptions after giving verbal accounts of them, with an eye toward improving police interviewing techniques with crime eyewitnesses.
By Bruce Bower -
Happy Anniversary
In the 50 years since the discovery of DNA's double helix structure, scientists have developed striking new ways to visualize the molecule.
By John Travis -
- Anthropology
The Stone Masters
Investigations of modern-day expert and novice craftsmen of stone tools and decorative stone beads offer insights into the making of stone implements thousands and perhaps even millions of years ago.
By Bruce Bower - Ecosystems
Cultivating Weeds
Some formerly mild-mannered plants turn into horticultural bullies when planted far outside their native range.
By Janet Raloff