News

Chemistry

Japan nuke accident seen from Seattle

Radioactive particles retrieved in the Pacific Northwest offer clues to events inside the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Earth

Major earthquakes not linked

Global seismic risks don’t rise following big events, scientists say.

Space

Planets take shape in embryonic gas clouds

A new theory of planetary formation may explain variety seen in extrasolar searches.

Humans

Noise is what ails beaked whales

Large-scale experiments reveal a sensitivity to sonar, apparently at lower levels than other species.

Health & Medicine

Obesity messes with the brain

Excess weight may compromise memory and concentration, possibly by spurring inflammation that damages white matter.