News
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EarthEmissions tied to global warming are on the rise
The United States emitted nearly 1 percent more greenhouse gases in 2005 than it did in the year before.
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Health & MedicineEmbryos, please
Almost half of Spanish couples who were asked recently to donate excess embryos for stem cell research did so.
By Brian Vastag -
Health & MedicineTherapeutic sorghum?
Sorghum's inflammation-fighting activity is comparable to that of a prescription arthritis medicine, animal research indicates.
By Janet Raloff -
PhysicsBroadband vision
Cells that act like optical fibers could explain why vertebrate retinas have sharp vision despite being mounted backwards.
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PlantsTiny pool protects flower buds
A rare structure on flowers, tiny cups that keep buds underwater until they bloom, can protect the buds from marauding moths.
By Susan Milius -
HumansExtreme Encyclopedia: Every living thing will get its own page
A consortium of museums and laboratories has unveiled plans to create a free, Web-based Encyclopedia of Life with an entry for every living species.
By Susan Milius -
PhysicsInvisible Trail: Analyzing the vortices in the wake of a bat
Flying bat generate lift and thrust with their wings much differently than birds do.
By Sid Perkins -
Cells’ Root: Adult stem cells have a master gene
Scientists have found a master gene that allows tissue-regenerating stem cells to retain their regenerative capacity.
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AstronomyStellar Spectacular: Brightest supernova
Astronomers have discovered the brightest stellar explosion ever observed, and it could be the first example of a rare type of supernova involving a freakishly massive star.
By Ron Cowen -
PhysicsDegrees of Quantumness: Shades of gray in particle-wave duality
Light can be made to act as if it's composed of particles, waves, or something in between.
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No Place Like Om: Meditation training puts oomph into attention
Intensive meditation training boosts a person's control over attention and expands a person's ability to notice rapidly presented items.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineRisk Factor: Throat cancer linked to virus spread by sex
Cancer of the throat and tonsils can arise from infection with a sexually transmitted virus.
By Nathan Seppa