Uncategorized
- Humans
Mutant Maps
Struck by an analogy between genetic mutations and flaws in antique printed documents, a biologist has devised a method to analyze such flaws to pinpoint publication dates of rare, undated documents.
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19722
There is a serious limitation to the “print clock” technique described in this article that can probably be addressed. The method proposed holds good only for works with small print runs (such as expensive maps), where the damage to the printing surface in successive printings is minor in comparison to deterioration over time. Damage to […]
- Humans
Letters from the August 26, 2006, issue of Science News
Dust to dust In “Not a planet?” (SN: 6/17/06, p. 382), Alycia Weinberger says, “The discovery of a disk around the planetary-mass companion to 2M1207 should be a bit of a relief to planet-formation theorists” because it casts doubt on the object being a planet. But wouldn’t our early solar system have been composed of […]
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- Humans
From the August 15, 1936, issue
Art fit for a king, healing wounds, and cops and robbers in the blood.
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Microscope Imaging
The Exploratorium in San Francisco provides images of a wide range of microscopic critters. The Web site also includes breathtaking movies of sea urchin fertilization, frog development, zebrafish embryo growth, and more. Go to: http://www.exploratorium.edu/imaging_station/
- Materials Science
Logos to Go: Hydrogel coatings provide removable color
A biodegradable coating could add a temporary splash of color to sports fields, buildings, or even people's bodies.
- Health & Medicine
Origins of Ache: Immune proteins may yield chronic-pain clues
People with chronic pain that has no underlying disease have low concentrations of proteins in the cytokine family that restrain inflammation.
- Chemistry
Tricky Transformation: Bubbling gases tighten, then loosen, the grip of novel molecules on grime
New compounds make oil mix with water, or not, depending simply on which gases are bubbled through the water.
- Anthropology
Evolution’s DNA Difference: Noncoding gene tied to origin of human brain
Investigators have discovered a gene that shows signs of having evolved rapidly in people and of having made a substantial contribution to the emergence of a uniquely human brain.
- Earth
Holy Smoke: Burning incense, candles pollute air in churches
Incense and candles release substantial quantities of pollutants that may harm health.
- Health & Medicine
Fewer Drugs, Same Outcome: Simpler HIV regimens are effective
In two studies, AIDS clinicians found that standard three-drug regimens fight HIV as well as four-drug treatments do, and that a single drug might maintain a patient's health once the virus is suppressed.
