News
- Physics
Science of friction is a bit rough
In lab experiments, physicists trying to understand earthquakes are bumping up against the limitations of existing theory.
- Planetary Science
Messages from Mercury
The latest data from a NASA spacecraft give compositional clues and reveal craters that could hold frozen water
- Earth
Tsunami lit up the heavens
Camera captures glowing atmospheric ripples triggered by Japan’s deadly quake as they pass over Hawaii.
- Psychology
Some fights vanish in plain sight
People engrossed in a task frequently overlook the seemingly obvious, such as a loud brawl.
- Life
Loophole found in genetic traffic laws
In a violation of textbook biology, a modified RNA component can cause the cell's protein-making machinery to run genetic stop signs.
- Chemistry
Dino proteins could have been sheltered
An analysis of collagen structure finds protective pockets, backing up claims of preserved tissue finds.
- Life
Ketamine’s antidepressant effect explained
A potential fast-acting treatment boosts the brain chemical BDNF, which may be lacking in depression.
- Space
Next solar cycle could be a no-show
Three lines of evidence suggest that the sun’s next activity cycle will be delayed for years and may not happen at all, an outcome that could have major implications for Earth’s climate.
- Life
Female infidelity may violate goose-gander parity principle
Female birds stray from their mates in part because of cheating genes from their philandering fathers, a zebra finch study suggests.
- Humans
Human mutation rate slower than thought
First direct measurements show that the number of genetic typos inherited from each parent can be highly skewed toward either mom or dad.
- Tech
New technique spins superlong nanowires
Made from any number of materials, fibers are millionths of a millimeter across and kilometers long.
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