News
- Ecosystems
The Birds Are Falling: Avian losses could hit ecosystems hard
If many bird populations dip toward extinction in the coming century, widespread harm could come to ecosystems that depend on these birds.
By Ben Harder - Health & Medicine
Birth Dilemma: Doctors weigh pros and cons of cesareans
Women attempting a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery have more uterine ruptures and other complications than do women undergoing a second cesarean section.
By Nathan Seppa - Astronomy
People, Not Robots: Panel favors shuttle mission to Hubble
Sharply challenging NASA on the issue of safety in space, a National Academy of Sciences panel has recommended that the agency send astronauts to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope rather than send a robotic device.
By Ron Cowen -
Immigration Blues: Born in the USA—Mental-health deficit
A wide array of psychological disorders occur at a higher rate among the U.S.-born offspring of immigrants than among the immigrants themselves, a national study finds.
By Bruce Bower -
Kibble for Thought: Dog diversity prompts new evolution theory
A genetic mutation that researchers have examined in several dog breeds may drive evolution in many other species.
- Materials Science
Mussel glue inspires coating for medical implants
An antifouling coating inspired by the sticky adhesive secreted by mussels could protect future medical implants from failure.
- Materials Science
Glass materials let Venetian art shine
Sixteenth-century Venetian painters mixed glassy materials with their paints to expand their palettes and enhance the vibrancy of their colors.
- Materials Science
Bonelike polymer supports stem cells
A polymer scaffold that mimics the environment in which natural bone grows provides stem cells with the right cues to lay down new bone.
- Materials Science
Buckyballs store 1s and 0s in new memory device
Scientists have created a material that stores bits of data in the soccer ball-shaped carbon molecules known as buckyballs.
- Health & Medicine
Colon scans reveal heart risk
Virtual colonoscopy may offer the side benefit of identifying heart attacks that are waiting to happen.
By Ben Harder - Health & Medicine
Trade Center cough is diagnosed
Obstructions that trap air deep within the lungs may explain certain breathing difficulties among some people who worked at the site of the World Trade Center following Sept. 11, 2001.
By Ben Harder - Materials Science
A light wrap?
Materials scientists have created fabrics that can both detect light and conduct electricity.