News

  1. Earth

    To contain gene-altered crops, nip them in the seed

    Researchers have demonstrated that, in principle, they can add genes that block genetically modified crops from breeding with conventional varieties and thus from spreading their artificial traits.

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  2. Math

    Uncovering a prime failure

    Mathematicians have returned to the drawing board after what looked like a dramatic step forward in understanding prime numbers.

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  3. Anthropology

    Humanity’s pedestal lowered again?

    A new genetic study reaches the controversial conclusion that chimpanzees belong to the genus Homo, just as people do.

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  4. Health & Medicine

    Gene therapy thwarts hepatitis C in mice

    Gene therapy that induces infected liver cells to self-destruct slows hepatitis C dramatically in mice.

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  5. Physics

    Taking a shine to number 100

    Scientists for the first time literally shed light on the properties of radioactive fermium.

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  6. Physics

    Light Switch: Crystal flaws tune the wavelengths

    By tweaking the crystal structure of the semiconductor gallium arsenide, researchers may have found a way to make cheaper components for fiberoptic networks.

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  7. Health & Medicine

    Flawed Therapy: Hormone replacement takes more hits

    Elderly women taking estrogen and progestin are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke than are women not taking the hormones.

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  8. Astronomy

    Red Team, Blue Team: Galaxy survey shows that color matters

    Using the largest survey of galaxies ever compiled, astronomers have found that the cosmos divides sharply along color lines.

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  9. Planetary Science

    New view of Earth

    On May 8, 2003, scientists pointed a camera on board the Mars Global Surveyor probe back at Earth and captured the first image from another planet that shows our world as more than a point of light.

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  10. Memorable Shot: Smallpox vaccine has lasting effect

    People vaccinated against smallpox decades ago may retain significant immunity to the virus that causes the disease.

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  11. Agriculture

    Mad Cow Future: Tests explore next generation of defenses

    As Canadian health officials investigate mad cow disease within the country's borders, researchers are already working on the next generation of defenses.

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  12. Chemistry

    Multiple Motions: Applied electrons make molecules vibrate and move

    A new technique enables scientists to choreograph individual molecules to vibrate, break bonds, and move on a surface in specified ways.

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