Humans
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
U.S. network detects Fukushima plume
Traces of radioactivity attributable to the earthquake-damaged Fukushima reactor complex in Japan have reached the West Coast of the United States.
- Tech
Chernobyl’s lessons for Japan
Radioactive iodine released by the Chernobyl nuclear accident has left a legacy of thyroid cancers among downwinders — one that shows no sign of diminishing. The new data also point to what could be in store if conditions at Japan’s troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear-power complex continue to sour.
- Archaeology
Pueblo traded for chocolate big-time
New evidence of ancient Pueblo cacao drinking feeds a theory of long-distance trade.
- Tech
Radiation: Japan’s third crisis
As if the magnitude-9 earthquake on March 11 and killer tsunami weren’t enough, a new round of aftershocks — psychological ones over fear of radiation — are rocking Japan and its neighbors.
- Humans
Record ozone thinning looms in Arctic
Depletion could expose the northern midlatitudes to higher-than-normal ultraviolet radiation in coming weeks.
- Humans
New stars of science honored in D.C.
The 2011 Intel Science Talent Search awards prizes to 10 young researchers.
- Humans
Intel Science Talent Search finalists reflect on their week in D.C.
Intel Science Talent Search finalists visit President Obama and members of Congress in prelude to announcement of top prize winners.
- Health & Medicine
Blood tests could forewarn of emphysema
Certain microparticles or proteins suggest nascent disease, even in smokers who appear healthy, two studies show.
- Humans
Jumping on the bandwagon brings rewards
A study of day traders finds that being in the crowd can lead to better performance.
- Humans
Japan struggles to control earthquake-damaged nuke plant
With the failure of multiple backup systems, desperate measures are employed to keep at least three reactors from melting down.
- Life
Antibiotics may make fighting flu harder
The drugs kill helpful bacteria that keep the immune system primed against viral infections.
- Humans
Iron Age goldsmith retooled
An ancient warrior's tomb brings back jewelry making from 2,400 years ago.
