Uncategorized
- Astronomy
Milky Way’s magnetic field mapped
The Planck telescope sees the galaxy’s magnetic field in polarized light bouncing off interstellar dust grains.
- Neuroscience
Birth of new brain cells might erase babies’ memories
The growth of new neurons in early childhood may explain why adults can’t remember being infants.
- Psychology
Farming practices have shaped thinking styles
The different levels of cooperation required to grow rice and wheat have sown psychological differences within China and possibly between East Asia and the West.
- Animals
Everyday electronics may upset birds’ compass
Weak electromagnetic waves, coming from normal university activities, interfere with European robins’ migratory orientation.
- Health & Medicine
Poor ventilation in schools may spur TB spread
Researchers found high carbon dioxide levels in South African classrooms, suggesting that poor ventilation may contribute to tuberculosis transmission.
- Cosmology
Universe re-created in computer simulation
The Illustris Project traces the detailed evolution of the universe starting from 12 million years after the Big Bang.
- Genetics
Organism with artificial DNA alphabet makes its debut
Using DNA molecules other than A, C, G and T, scientists have created the first living organism with an expanded genetic alphabet.
- Climate
Crop nutrients may drop as carbon dioxide rises
Many staple grains and legumes pack 5 to 10 percent less iron, zinc and protein when grown at carbon dioxide levels expected midcentury.
- Animals
Woodpecker beaks divulge shock-absorbing properties
Scales, sutures and porosity help the birds hammer without going stupid.
- Math
The Improbability Principle
The laws of mathematics and physics suffice to explain a world of coincidences, statistician David J. Hand argues.
- Health & Medicine
U.S. patient with MERS virus is on the mend
A man in Indiana does not seem to have spread the potentially deadly respiratory illness.
- Health & Medicine
Massachusetts insurance mandate lowers death rate
Since “Romneycare” was phased in, mortality fell by 2.9 percent.
