News
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TechDNA puts its best foot forward
A robot made of DNA has taken its first steps, suggesting that such devices could eventually be used for nanoscale manufacturing.
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Chimp DNA yields complex surprises
A molecular comparison of chromosome 22 in chimpanzees with its counterpart in people reveals surprisingly complex genetic differences between the two species.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineGreen tea takes on poison
Green tea contains a broad range of compounds that detoxify dioxin.
By Janet Raloff -
TechMicrowave mirror hits the spot
A technique for rebounding and refocusing sound also works for electromagnetic waves, possibly opening new uses ranging from improving cell phone communication to treating illness.
By Peter Weiss -
Health & MedicineAmericans eat faster, and more
More and more people are eating at fast-food restaurants, and they down significantly more calories on the days they do.
By Janet Raloff -
ChemistryCrystal could generate pure hydrogen fuel
An organic crystal's unusual molecular-trapping behavior could help drive a new hydrogen economy.
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Health & MedicineStatins might fight multiple sclerosis
Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs might work against multiple sclerosis by reducing inflammation, preliminary evidence suggests.
By Nathan Seppa -
Got Milk? Dairy protein provides bone-forming boost
A protein in milk stimulates bone-forming cells.
By John Travis -
AnimalsTurtle Trekkers: Atlantic leatherbacks scatter widely
Satellite monitoring of leatherback turtles in the Atlantic show that these animals range widely instead of sticking to "turtle corridors."
By Susan Milius -
Health & MedicineGender Neutral: Men, women face same cancer risk from smoking
Women who smoke are no more susceptible to lung cancer than are male smokers.
By Nathan Seppa -
EarthGeyser Bashing: Distant quake alters timing of eruptions
A powerful earthquake that struck central Alaska on Nov. 3, 2002, changed the eruption schedule of some geysers in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, more than 3,100 kilometers away.
By Sid Perkins -
Death Waits for No One: Deferred demises take a couple of hits
Two new reports challenge the idea that elderly people suffering from serious physical illnesses can prolong their lives just long enough to experience a personally meaningful event.
By Bruce Bower