Uncategorized
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- Space
Half the boom better than no boom at all
The Large Hadron Collider will begin colliding protons at half of the designed energy this November, with plans to repair the faulty sections of the accelerator at the end of 2010.
- Anthropology
Humanity’s upright gait may have roots in trees
A comparison of wrist bones from African apes and monkeys indicates that human ancestors began walking by exploiting the evolutionary legacy of ancient, tree-climbing apes.
By Bruce Bower - Earth
Spotting danger from on high
Airborne sensors can identify mineral outcrops and soil that may contain natural asbestos.
By Sid Perkins - Computing
Minifridge makes quantum computers last
A new study shows that if ions are kept cool, then the information they hold can be repeatedly manipulated.
- Math
Baseball by the numbers
A new study evaluates the success of statistical analyses in determining the player with the golden glove.
- Animals
Tool use to crow about
A pair of new studies indicates that crows can employ tools in advanced ways, including using stones to displace water in a container and manipulating three sticks in sequence to reach food.
By Bruce Bower - Earth
A source of haze
Scientists identify how a hydrocarbon commonly emitted by plants is converted to light-scattering aerosols.
By Sid Perkins - Life
Death-grip fungus made me do it
Infection may be driving ants to set their jaws in low-hanging leaves before they die.
By Susan Milius - Space
Titan may host prebiotic brew
Saturn’s moon Titan may harbor a prebiotic mix of chemicals similar to those present at the dawn of life on Earth.
By Ron Cowen - Life
DEET’s nastiness extends to humans
Study finds the bug-repellent ingredient stopped an enzyme from doing its job.
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