Uncategorized
- Astronomy
Are most extrasolar planets hefty imposters?
A new study makes the startling claim that nearly half the objects reported to be extrasolar planets are something much more massive and mundane—either lightweight stars or stellar wannabes known as brown dwarfs.
By Ron Cowen - Health & Medicine
Study bolsters head injury, Alzheimer’s link
Veterans who suffered a moderate or severe concussion during World War II face a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease when they reach old age.
By Nathan Seppa -
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! It’s a mosaic embryo
Using a new technique to examine chromosomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos at the time they're implanted in the womb, researchers report abnormalities never seen later in development, possibly explaining why IVF has a low efficiency.
By Laura Sivitz -
- Math
Functions on Display
To mathematicians, the term “function” has a specific meaning. It’s a rule that assigns a fixed output for a given input; in effect, a formula. Among the most familiar functions are the sine and cosine functions of trigonometry. The Wolfram Functions Site offers a huge functions database, providing information about and visualizations of more then […]
By Science News - Humans
From the April 14, 1934, issue
Yawning spells, disagreeable alcohols from anaerobic respiration, and how antibodies protect adults from disease.
By Science News - Chemistry
Materials Factory: RNA manufactures palladium particles
Chemists have evolved RNA fragments in the lab that spontaneously synthesize highly uniform, hexagonal-shaped nanoparticles of palladium.
- Health & Medicine
Categorizing Cancers: Gene activity predicts leukemia outcome
By dividing acute myeloid leukemia into subtypes on the basis of which genes are abnormally active in a given patient, doctors may be able to predict outcomes and make better treatment decisions.
By Ben Harder -
Fat Chance: Hormone boosts metabolic rate, induces weight loss in mice
Fat cells secrete a hormone that tells the brain to boost the body's metabolic rate.
By John Travis - Health & Medicine
Slimmer Ticks, Less Disease: Tick-semen protein is potential vaccine
An antitick vaccine using a protein that causes female ticks to engorge on blood may control tick populations, a new study suggests.
- Astronomy
Rare Passage: Crab’s X rays probe Titan
Observing a rare celestial alignment, astronomers have made the first X-ray measurement of the atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan.
By Ron Cowen -
Get Mellow, Fellow: Male baboons cooperate after cultural prodding
Researchers say they have found a troop of wild baboons in which females somehow transmit peaceful attitudes to males who transfer into the group.
By Bruce Bower