News
- Astronomy
Powerhouse Astronomy: Blazing black hole from the early universe
A jet of matter and radiation emanating from a newly discovered black hole could provide a new probe of the first stars and the radiation left over from the Big Bang.
By Ron Cowen - Tech
Sweet Frequency: Implantable glucose sensor transmits data wirelessly
Modeled after antitheft magnetic strips, a new implantable glucose sensor for diabetes patients could do away with daily pinprick tests.
- Health & Medicine
SARS Control: First nasal vaccine effective in monkeys
An experimental SARS vaccine, tested in monkeys, can be administered directly to the respiratory tract and requires only a single dose to confer immunity.
By Carrie Lock - Animals
Ultrasound alarms by ground squirrels
Richardson's ground squirrels may occasionally use ultrasound when calling out in response to a disturbance.
By Susan Milius - Animals
Why does a buddy help another male flirt?
The sidekick male in the two-bird courtship display of lance-tailed manakins has to leave when the mating starts but may reap delayed benefits in real estate and performance practice.
By Susan Milius - Animals
Farmer ant species may have lost all its males
A fungus-growing ant may be the first ant species known to have no power of sexual reproduction.
By Susan Milius - Animals
Jumping spiders buzz, thump when dancing
Some jumping spiders, long considered visually oriented animals, turn out to utilize seismic communication for a successful courtship.
By Susan Milius -
Two-handed protein may protect DNA
An unusually shaped protein may help a bacterium thrive in tough times.
By John Travis - Health & Medicine
Celiac disease affects kids’ minds
Attention deficits and learning disabilities have joined the list of neurological problems associated with the intestinal disorder known as celiac disease.
By Ben Harder -
Neurons take charge to change messages
Neurons in a developing embryo respond to changes in their electrical activity by altering the types of chemical messengers that they produce.
By Bruce Bower - Planetary Science
Cometary encounter
Planetary scientists are feasting on close-up images of Comet Wild 2 as well as on the first information about its composition.
By Ron Cowen - Ecosystems
More on California’s rogue seaweed
Scientists have obtained genetic confirmation of the assumption that a newfound rogue alga in California waters is the same strain that has been smothering seafloor communities in the Mediterranean.
By Janet Raloff