News
- Earth
More Arctic clouds may lessen warming
Nearly 2 decades of satellite observations suggest that an increase in Arctic cloudiness at certain times of the year may partially counteract the effects of global warming in the region.
- Health & Medicine
Plot thickens for blood pressure drugs
A new study counters a recent report that diuretics taken for high blood pressure protect against heart problems better than newer, more expensive drugs.
-
Discovery of bitter-taste gene is sweet
Scientists have found that variations in a gene explain why people differ in their ability to taste bitterness.
- Physics
In orbit, water makes the stretch
An astronaut-at-play stumbled upon an unexpected behavior of water in near-zero gravity: The formation of durable films—some as wide as saucers—that would instantly break here on Earth.
- Earth
Fallen Trees? Scotch pines emit nitrogen oxides into the air
Northern pine forests may exude nitrogen oxides—a contributor to smog and acid rain—in quantities that rival those produced by industry and traffic worldwide.
- Humans
Science Flair: Top U.S. science and engineering students reap recognition, rewards
Forty finalists in the 2003 Intel Science Talent Search received recognition and more than $500,000 in scholarships for their efforts toward solving original problems in science and engineering.
- Animals
Fish That Decorate: Females prefer nests with pizzazz
If scientists give foil strips to male stickleback fish, the fellows carry them back to their nests for decoration, and it turns out that females seem to like guys with lots of shiny stuff.
- Health & Medicine
Pressurized Pregnancies: Schizophrenia linked to fetal diuretic exposure
A Danish study has found that pregnant women who take diuretic medication for high blood pressure during the third trimester substantially raise the chances that their unborn children will develop schizophrenia by age 35.
- Astronomy
Planet’s Slim-Fast Plan: Extrasolar orb is too close for comfort
A new study of the atmosphere of a planet outside the solar system suggests that some orbs will vaporize if they orbit too close to their parent star.
- Earth
Killer Crater: Shuttle-borne radar detects remnant of dino-killing impact
Radar images gathered during a flight of the space shuttle Endeavour 3 years ago show the subtle topography related to the impact of an asteroid or comet that may have wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
- Health & Medicine
Tough Nut Is Cracked: Antibody treatment stifles peanut reactions
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the first preventive drug treatment against peanut allergy.
- Physics
Bunches of atoms madly morph
While investigating the instability of tiny clusters of atoms, scientists observe ultrasmall salt grains switching shapes at a stupendous rate.
