Earth
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Earth
Spotting danger from on high
Airborne sensors can identify mineral outcrops and soil that may contain natural asbestos.
By Sid Perkins - Earth
A source of haze
Scientists identify how a hydrocarbon commonly emitted by plants is converted to light-scattering aerosols.
By Sid Perkins - Science & Society
News of science: Choose wisely
As the 'news' industry evolves, consumers who value quality science journalism may need to become ever more discriminating.
By Janet Raloff - Earth
On plant invaders and bat fungus
Researchers discuss invasive species and bat-infecting fungi at the Botany & Mycology 2009 meeting
By Susan Milius - Health & Medicine
When BPA-free isn’t
A type of plastic that shouldn't contain a hormone-mimicking ingredient may have it anyway, Canadian government scientist find.
By Janet Raloff - Ecosystems
Churning the numbers
Some of the ocean’s small swimmers may be having a big impact on ocean mixing.
- Earth
Comet likely culprit in Tunguska blast
Analysis of shuttle plume movement suggests Tunguska event could have caused clouds over London.
By Sid Perkins - Agriculture
How weed killers might protect our eyes: It’s corny
Herbicides can boost trace-nutrient concentrations in sweet corn.
By Janet Raloff - Chemistry
CO2 sponge
Macromolecule that was accidentally discovered seems to trap carbon dioxide from the air.
By Sid Perkins - Earth
Salty water power
A study reports a new, cheaper way to harvest energy from salt water and fresh water.
- Tech
Electric grid still very vulnerable to electromagnetic weaponry
BLOG: Smart grid advocates weigh in on the vulnerability of the U.S. electrical infrastructure to electromagnetic pulse radiation.
By Janet Raloff - Paleontology
Fossil shows first all-American honeybee
Nevada find contradicts long-held view of Europe and Asia as the native land of all honeybees.
By Susan Milius