News
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LifeNorovirus grown in lab, with help from bacteria
Norovirus, famous for sickening cruise ship passengers, has finally been grown in human cells in a lab, offering scientists a chance to test new therapies.
By Meghan Rosen -
PsychologyWith a tap on the back, researchers create ghostly sensation
Experimentally induced illusion probes supernatural experiences, hallucinations.
By Bruce Bower -
Materials ScienceBatteries become safe to swallow with spongy covering
Quantum-inspired coating switches from a conductor to an insulator to prevent injury from swallowed batteries.
By Beth Mole -
Materials Science‘Impermeable’ graphene yields to protons
Graphene sheets, impermeable to all atoms and molecules, can be penetrated by protons, new study shows.
By Andrew Grant -
AstronomyNearly starless galaxies found in nearby cluster
Astronomers have found 47 galaxies with relatively few stars, something not predicted by any galaxy formation theories.
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GeneticsGenes influence Ebola’s impact
A study in a diverse strain of mice shows how the effect of an Ebola infection can depend on genes.
By Meghan Rosen -
Health & MedicineDengue vaccine offers partial protection
Shots reduce severe cases of dengue among children in large study in Latin America.
By Nathan Seppa -
CosmologyGamma rays offer mixed messages on identity of dark matter
Conflicting results from Fermi telescope puzzle astronomers about dark matter’s true identity.
By Andrew Grant -
LifeGut microbes less diverse in humans than in apes
An analysis of gut bacteria shows that humans have evolved to possess less diversity in microbe populations.
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LifeHummingbirds take stab at rivals with dagger-tipped bills
Sharp points on the bills of male long-billed hermit hummingbirds may have evolved as weaponry.
By Susan Milius -
Planetary ScienceWater arrived on Earth earlier than thought
Ancient meteorites from the asteroid Vesta indicate that Earth’s water was available before planet formed.
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PsychologyRip-off victims prefer compensation to retribution
But those acting on behalf of victims favor a punishment that fits the crime.
By Bruce Bower