News
- Tech
Viral building blocks
Proteins taken from a spherical virus and combined with pieces of DNA can form tubular nanostructures, researchers report.
- Earth
Vesuvius’ Shadow: A major volcanic blast could threaten Naples
When Italy's Mount Vesuvius begins to rumble again, nearby Naples may be in danger.
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Fit Moms, Brainier Babies: Exercising mothers provide neurological benefits
Offspring of mice that jogged each day during pregnancy may have a mental advantage over pups of sedentary moms.
- Health & Medicine
Ear Protection: Combo vaccine prevents some infections
A vaccine that triggers immunity against two common bacteria can prevent many ear infections in babies.
By Nathan Seppa - Earth
Crater in the sand
Researchers analyzing satellite images of the Sahara Desert have discovered the region's largest impact crater.
By Sid Perkins - Tech
Meddling with Metal: Novel nanocontrol yields chromium rival
A new, nontoxic alloy that might reduce use of toxic chromium springs from a novel way to manipulate crystalline metal structures via precise control of their atomic composition.
By Peter Weiss - Anthropology
Polynesian Latecomers: Easter Islanders took fast track to culture
New radiocarbon dates from Easter Island indicate that the isolated Polynesian island was first colonized around A.D. 1200, up to 800 years later than had previously been thought.
By Bruce Bower - Health & Medicine
Got Data? Consuming calcium, dairy doesn’t keep off weight
Dairy products and other calcium-containing foods don't prevent weight gain, according to a 12-year study of middle-aged men.
By Ben Harder - Astronomy
Magnetic Memory: New model forecasts solar storms
A new computer model predicts that the next solar-activity cycle won't begin until late 2008, a year later than the sun's standard cycle would forecast.
By Ron Cowen - Health & Medicine
Genes for macular degeneration
Variations in two genes could account for three-quarters of all cases of age-related macular degeneration.
- Health & Medicine
Low-protein diet boosts treatment
A diet low in protein can improve the effectiveness of drug therapy and reduce the periods of the most debilitating symptoms suffered by Parkinson's disease patients.
- Chemistry
Fragment foils Alzheimer’s protein
Researchers have synthesized a protein fragment that, in test tubes, disrupts the formation of the fiber networks suspected to cause Alzheimer's disease.