News

  1. Chemistry

    Better protection

    A new molecular catalyst shortens a widely used reaction into a one-step process, with a bonus: It makes the reaction’s products into one of two possible mirror-image forms. When chemists synthesize compounds, they often add a protective group of atoms to a specific site on a molecule to prevent that site from reacting in subsequent […]

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  2. Earth

    Magma heats up as it crystallizes

    Molten rock moving through a volcano's plumbing prior to an eruption can sometimes heat up substantially as it approaches Earth's surface.

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  3. Planetary Science

    Rare Uranian eclipse

    The Hubble Space Telescope has for the first time recorded an eclipse on Uranus.

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  4. Earth

    Plowing Down the Amazon: Satellites reveal conversion of forest to farmland

    The clearing of jungle to create cropland is a major and previously underappreciated force behind deforestation in the Amazon region of Brazil, according to an analysis of satellite images.

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  5. Animals

    Hey, Roach Babe: Male cockroaches give fancy courting whistles

    Some male cockroaches whistle at females with surprisingly complex, almost birdlike whistles.

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  6. Ecosystems

    On the Rise: Siberian lakes—Major sources of methane

    Field studies suggest that Siberian lakes are a much larger source of atmospheric methane than had been previously recognized.

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  7. Tech

    Size Matters: Biosensors behave oddly when very small

    There might be a limit to how small physicists should build tiny sensors that detect viruses and molecules.

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  8. Health & Medicine

    Problem Paternity: Older men seem more apt to have autistic kids

    Children born to fathers who are age 40 or older have an increased risk of developing autism.

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  9. Earth

    Genes as Pollutants: Tracking drug-resistant DNA in the environment

    A study that traces antibiotic-resistance genes in the environment indicates that they are present even in treated drinking water.

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  10. Copycat Monkeys: Macaque babies ape adults’ facial feats

    Scientists for the first time have established that baby monkeys, shortly after birth, imitate facial movements made by people and adult monkeys.

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  11. Earth

    Plastics agent worsens skin allergies

    Low doses of one of the most commonly used softeners in plastics can aggravate dust-mite allergy.

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  12. Sleep disorder tied to brain ills in kids

    Researchers have linked a severe form of sleep apnea in children to brain irregularities that may contribute to learning problems.

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