Uncategorized
- Anthropology
New age for ancient Americans
New radiocarbon dates indicate that the Clovis people, long considered the first well-documented settlers of the New World, inhabited North America considerably later and for a much shorter time than previously thought.
- Chemistry
Lighting up for uranium
A portable sensor could make it possible to rapidly detect environmental uranium contamination.
- Animals
Science behind the Soap Opera
Tight family groups of meerkats in Africa's arid lands offer a chance to see the costs, as well as the charms, of cooperation. With audio.
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19798
Your article shows that meerkats bear an uncanny resemblance to human beings. We, too, have an innate sense of responsibility for our group and individually commit acts of unspeakable violence. John HagerhorstFrederick, Md.
- Health & Medicine
Fixes for Fatty Liver
A slate of experimental treatments, including three established diabetes drugs, could become medicines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, an obesity-related cause of cirrhosis.
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19797
Your article mentioned choline as a possible treatment. This is not a new idea, as I found while searching the Science News Web site: In the June 22, 1935, issue, choline is reported as “a new aid in controlling diabetes.” Dr. C.H. Best, codiscoverer of insulin, reported the new finding. Daniel VanceCleveland, Tenn.
- Math
Ancient Islamic Penrose Tiles
Medieval Islamic artisans developed a process for creating elaborate, nonrepeating patterns now associated with Penrose tiles.
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Microbe World
Created by the American Society for Microbiology, the Microbe World Web site highlights the increasing importance of microbes in the environment, biotechnology, alternative energy, food science, and healthcare. Designed for science enthusiasts, students, teachers, parents, and the general public, the site features articles, images, audio and video podcasts, RSS feeds, and mobile “phonecasts.” Microbe World […]
- Ecosystems
Warming Sign? Larger dead zones form off Oregon coast
Unprecedented recent changes in the yearly pattern of ocean currents off North America's West Coast have wreaked havoc on aquatic ecosystems there, another possible symptom of Earth's warming climate.
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Decoding Autism: Study finds DNA clues to developmental disorders
New results direct the search for autism-influencing genes to a previously overlooked DNA segment and highlight the role of a crucial chemical-messenger system in creating brains susceptible to autism.
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19796
In regards to the findings noted in this article, I find it hard to rule out an interpretation that would not require anything similar to planning. This could simply be pattern completion, similar to building a nest or bower. The animal is not necessarily planning, but simply filling in missing pieces. Robert FizzellBeloit, Wis.
