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Computing

What a Flake

New ways to simulate ice-crystal growth yield patterns remarkably similar to the beautiful and intricate shapes of snowflakes and may shed light on how those real-life shapes come about.

Humans

Letters from the December 23 & 30, 2006, issue of Science News

Playing dead is a lively topic I am amazed that “Why Play Dead?” (SN: 10/28/06, p. 280) concluded that “Scientists have a long way to go to explain why” prey animals play dead. As a veterinarian, I have learned that there are separate centers in the brain dealing with predatory behavior and with hunger. The […]

Math

Rankings, Tournaments, and Playoffs

All outcome-based sports ranking systems are fundamentally flawed.