News
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HumansNaps may help infants form abstract memories
Napping critically assists 15-month-olds in remembering the underlying structure of the language adults speak to them, a new study indicates.
By Bruce Bower -
PhysicsNanoclusters seem to skirt physics law
In simulations, tiny loophole allows colliding nanoclusters to increase speed after impact.
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EarthAn earlier appearance for the first land plants
Fossilized pollen could show that modern land plants evolved earlier than thought.
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Planetary ScienceAntarctic ecosystem holds unusual microbes
Long isolated deep under a glacier, life thrives in dark, salty water by breathing iron and eating sulfates.
By Sid Perkins -
Health & MedicineSeemingly misplaced DNA acts as lenses
Nocturnal animals orient DNA in retinal cells to focus light.
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Health & MedicineEpilepsy drug might harm fetuses
Young children born to women who took the drug valproate for epilepsy during pregnancy have lower IQ scores, on average, than children whose moms used a different antiepilepsy medication.
By Nathan Seppa -
LifeLizards sunbathe for another reason
Panther chameleons may regulate their vitamin D levels by lounging in the sun.
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TechCloaked eye still sees
Researchers have proposed a model that would allow sensors to send and receive information virtually undetected.
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PlantsYo, aphid, I’m red and I’m bad
Apple trees support the idea that red fall colors are a warning signal to insects.
By Susan Milius -
SpaceMassive solar flares captured in 3-D
Distance between orbiting STEREO craft allows better imaging of coronal mass ejections.
By Sid Perkins -
Health & MedicineHypoglycemia linked to dementia
Episodes of low blood sugar that require medical attention seem to increase a person’s risk of developing dementia in old age, a study in people with type 2 diabetes shows.
By Nathan Seppa -
HumansAn ancient remedy: Bitter herbs and sweet wine
New chemical analyses of wine jars suggest that ancient Egyptians mixed medicinal plants into wine.