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Astronomy

Cosmic Push: X-ray study confirms universe’s dark side

Culling clues from X rays emitted by distant clusters of galaxies, astronomers report new evidence that some mysterious force overcame gravity's tug about 6 billion years ago and ever since has been pushing galaxies apart at an accelerating rate.

Earth

Big Thaw Coming: Climate change may slam Arctic

If the changes in climate predicted for this century come to pass, the people and creatures of the Arctic will face some of the largest challenges.

Humans

Letters from the May 29, 2004, issue of Science News

Judging by science “Forensics on Trial” (SN: 3/27/04, p. 202: Forensics on Trial) was an eye-opener. Our courts may be accepting many analytical techniques that haven’t been adequately validated. We should be careful, especially where the death penalty is involved, not to be guilty of hubris in the application of scientific knowledge. Bob SauerPrinceton, Mass. […]

Humans

Famous Engineers

Did you know that Scott Adams, cartoonist and creator of Dilbert, has an engineering background? Others who have been engineers or have an engineering background include astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon, as well as film director Alfred Hitchcock, former Dallas football coach Tom Landry, and television talk show host Montel […]

Humans

Travels with the War Goddess

A botany expedition to Samoa turns out to be as much about the people as about the plants.

Health & Medicine

Cutting blood supply to kill off fat

Killing the blood vessels that sustain fat tissue causes obese mice to lose weight.

Chemistry

Strange brew brings inorganic chemicals to life

A mixture of inorganic chemicals spontaneously forms cell-like structures that behave like tiny chemical reactors.

Health & Medicine

Estrogen loss induces lung disease in mice

Estrogen loss hampers lung function in mice by sabotaging the alveoli, the tiny sacs that deliver oxygen-rich air to the bloodstream.

Astronomy

Live! Venus’ transit on the Web

On June 8, astronomers in Europe plan to Webcast observations of the transit of Venus, the first time the planet has passed across the face of the sun as seen from Earth in 122 years.

Health & Medicine

Folate enrichment pays baby dividends

The federally mandated fortification of grain-based foods with folic acid has led to a 25 percent drop in the rate of potentially life-threatening neural tube birth defects.