News
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SpaceGalactic black holes may be more massive than thought
The giant black holes at the cores of massive nearby galaxies may be two to four times heftier than estimated.
By Ron Cowen -
EarthWhen the Great Lakes were lower
New archaeological evidence shows signs of prehistoric hunting and other human activities on now-submerged portions of Lake Huron.
By Sid Perkins -
PhysicsFriction gives snakes a smooth slither
Combination of friction and push propels snakes forward on flat surfaces.
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HumansChildren get social with virtual peers
Life-size 3-D versions of children can draw kids with autism into social encounters and more news from the annual meeting of the Jean Piaget Society in Park City, Utah, June 4-6.
By Bruce Bower -
HumansAutism care takes biological toll on mothers
Caring for teens and young adults with autism not only creates intense psychological pressure on mothers but may promote sharply decreased production of a crucial stress hormone, a long-term study suggests.
By Bruce Bower -
EcosystemsFrom sea to squid, thanks to slime
Scientists have revealed new details about the genes — and the goo — that enable luminescent bacteria to colonize their symbiotic marine partner.
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ChemistryProtein caught in the act
Researchers have developed a new way to see where the molecules are active.
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EarthUnexplained atmospheric chemistry detected
A field study in China reveals an unusually high and unexplained production of hydroxyl radicals.
By Sid Perkins -
LifeHuntington’s protein may have a crony
The mutant protein implicated in Huntington’s may rely on a second protein. The finding could help explain why only some neurons are vulnerable to the disease.
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LifeTickling apes reveals laughter’s origins
Roots of laughter go back at least 10 to 16 million years, study of romping apes suggests.
By Susan Milius -
PhysicsMechanical systems all tangled up
Researchers link the motion of two ion pairs through “spooky action at a distance.”
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Alpine Antarctica, before the ice
A new survey may have unveiled the birthplace of the world’s largest ice sheet.
By Sid Perkins