Uncategorized
- Humans
Letters from the December 18 & 25, 2004, issue of Science News
Think fast “Car deaths rise days after terror attacks” (SN: 10/9/04, p. 237: Car deaths rise days after terror attacks) mentions that the traffic volume was reduced following the attacks, yet fails to mention another likely factor in the increased deaths: Less traffic usually results in higher average speeds. Del DietrichSan Jose, Calif. Our sun, […]
- Earth
Ancient Heights: Leaf fossils track elevation changes
A new technique using altitude-dependent differences in fossil leaves may make it possible to chronicle the rise and fall of mountain ranges over millions of years.
- Tech
Magnetic Bit Boost: Quantum rewiring for computer memories
A quantum-mechanical memory component that might replace electronic computer memories has come closer to practicality.
- Ecosystems
The Birds Are Falling: Avian losses could hit ecosystems hard
If many bird populations dip toward extinction in the coming century, widespread harm could come to ecosystems that depend on these birds.
- Health & Medicine
Birth Dilemma: Doctors weigh pros and cons of cesareans
Women attempting a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery have more uterine ruptures and other complications than do women undergoing a second cesarean section.
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19492
When I read of the Hubble Space Telescope–repair controversy (this article and “Lean Times: Proposed budget keeps science spending slim,” SN: 2/12/05, p. 102), this question comes to mind: Why can’t an unmanned, powered vehicle latch on to Hubble and fly it to the International Space Station, where it could be repaired by the station’s […]
- Astronomy
People, Not Robots: Panel favors shuttle mission to Hubble
Sharply challenging NASA on the issue of safety in space, a National Academy of Sciences panel has recommended that the agency send astronauts to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope rather than send a robotic device.
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Immigration Blues: Born in the USA—Mental-health deficit
A wide array of psychological disorders occur at a higher rate among the U.S.-born offspring of immigrants than among the immigrants themselves, a national study finds.
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Kibble for Thought: Dog diversity prompts new evolution theory
A genetic mutation that researchers have examined in several dog breeds may drive evolution in many other species.
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19491
Reading this article, I puzzled over the statement that “domestication diverges from a standard model of evolution. . . .” Darwin’s primary evidence for The Origin of Species included observations of domesticated pigeons and other species, and even Mendel worked with garden peas. Yet hybridization and artificial selection have been considered evil or dirty for […]
- Materials Science
Mussel glue inspires coating for medical implants
An antifouling coating inspired by the sticky adhesive secreted by mussels could protect future medical implants from failure.
- Materials Science
Glass materials let Venetian art shine
Sixteenth-century Venetian painters mixed glassy materials with their paints to expand their palettes and enhance the vibrancy of their colors.
