More Stories from the February 17, 2001 issue
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- Materials Science
Scientists develop self-healing composites
Researchers have developed a composite material that has the ability to repair small cracks within itself, a characteristic that could be used to extend the reliability and service life of electronic and aerospace components.
- Physics
Muon orbits may defy main physics theory
A tiny discrepancy from theory in a newly remeasured magnetic trait of a subatomic particle, the muon, may represent a first crack in the 30-year-old prevailing standard model of particle physics.
- Health & Medicine
Common additive thwarts malaria parasite
Triclosan--a drug used as an antimicrobial agent in toothpaste, deodorant, and other products--kills rodent malaria parasites in mice and human malaria parasites in test-tube studies.
- Archaeology
Maize domestication grows older in Mexico
Maize cultivation existed in southern Mexico at least 6,300 years ago, according to a recent radiocarbon analysis of two maize cobs unearthed in a cave nearly 40 years ago.
- Planetary Science
Happy landing: Craft descends onto Eros
On Feb. 12, NEAR Shoemaker became the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid, the space rock 433 Eros.
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Hormone therapy may prove memorable
Healthy, older women may be protected against losses of verbal memory that typically occur with age if they receive hormone-replacement therapy.
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Organ donations take family toll
Taiwanese people who donate organs from a deceased family member still support that decision 6 months later, despite frequently experiencing negative consequences related to their culture and religion.
- Chemistry
New all-metal molecules ape organics
Researchers have stumbled upon the first all-metal, aromatic molecules.
- Chemistry
Research shows why water acts weird
A new technique shows a link between water's unusual physical properties and its abnormal molecular structure.
- Health & Medicine
Can childhood diets lead to diabetes?
Prolonged consumption of foods that break down quickly into simple sugars appears to foster obesity and vulnerability to diabetes, an animal study shows.
- Health & Medicine
Calcium supplements for chocolate
Using soap chemistry, scientists prevented some of chocolate's saturated fat--and calories--from being absorbed.
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Into the Mystic
Scientists confront the hazy realm of spiritual enlightenment.
- Materials Science
From Metal Bars to Candy Bars
Materials scientists have turned the tools of their trade on some of the most familiar substances in the world: food.
