News
-
PhysicsSpeed of light not so constant after all
Even in vacuum conditions, light can move slower than its maximum speed depending on the structure of its pulses.
By Andrew Grant -
EarthFaulty thermometers exaggerated western U.S. mountain warming
Defective thermometers used in snowpack and ecology research overstated warming in western U.S. mountains.
-
AnimalsMountain migration is a roller coaster for bar-headed geese
Bar-headed geese rise and fall to match terrain below them when migrating over the Himalayas.
-
AstronomyRocky planets around cool stars may have Earthlike climates
Small, rocky planets that sit close to cool stars might be able to keep spinning, creating conditions hospitable to life.
-
LifeIn battle to shape immunity, environment often beats genes
The environment, especially microbes, shapes immune system reactions more than genes do.
-
AnimalsSquids edit genetic directions extensively
In squids, RNA editing means that DNA often does not get the final say in which proteins are created.
-
Health & MedicineAsthma may add to sleep apnea risk
A long-term sleep study strengthens the link between the two breathing disorders asthma and sleep apnea.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineMore oxygen may lead to more tumors
Lung cancer risk drops at higher elevations where the air is thinner.
-
Materials ScienceGraphene’s allure becomes magnetic
Single-atom-thick sheets of carbon called graphene can be magnetized with the help of an insulating magnet.
By Andrew Grant -
AnimalsDisco clams may flash chemical-weapons warning
Puzzling disco clam light show might warn predators not to bite.
By Susan Milius -
ClimateGalápagos waters preview future for corals
Posthumous analysis of Galápagos coral reefs reveals how climate change, carbon dioxide and pollution could kill off reefs worldwide by 2050.
By Beth Mole -
Health & MedicineAllergy-related Google searches follow pollen season ups and downs
Google search queries could help researchers track pollen seasons in areas without pollen-monitoring stations.