Uncategorized
- Climate
Heat waves stunt grassland growth
An abnormally hot year can significantly suppress growth in grasslands, a stifling effect that lingers well into the next year even if temperatures return to normal. It can also hinder how well the grasslands absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
By Sid Perkins - Humans
The presidential candidates on science
The Science Debate 2008 team sent science and technology questions to Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama. Find out how they answered.
By Janet Raloff - Life
Fastest spores in the West (or anywhere)
SEE THE VIDEO: Researchers film a fungus catapulting its spores with an acceleration greater than what astronauts feel.
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Immune cell plays good cop, bad cop
Immune cells called macrophages aid neuron regeneration in some parts of the nervous system, but hinder regeneration in the brain and spinal cord.
- Life
Fish glowing red
Plenty of reef creatures fluoresce red, even where seawater absorbs red sunlight.
By Susan Milius - Health & Medicine
Plastics chemical linked to heart disease, diabetes
Study is based on data collected from human adults and matches urine concentrations of bisphenol A with type 2 diabetes, heart disease and liver enzyme problems
- Life
New ant species found
One weird ant suggests lost world of ancient ants living underground
By Susan Milius - Health & Medicine
Late nights and disease
Getting too little sleep may lead to health problems. A new study shows that after only one night of sleep deprivation, women have higher levels of an inflammatory molecule linked to cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
- Space
Snapshot of a planet beyond the solar system
After years of false alarms, astronomers may finally have recorded the first image of a planet orbiting a sunlike star beyond the solar system.
By Ron Cowen - Math
A knot of light
Researchers find a new theoretical way to tie light into complex knots and links.
- Materials Science
A killer paint job
New findings suggest that nanotechnology paints for walls, ceilings and surfaces could one day be used to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals.
- Humans
Teen depression: No genes required
The family-shattering effects of a mother’s depression can prompt the same mood disorder in her children, independent of any genetic risk.
By Bruce Bower