News

Astronomy

Galaxies’ missing mass may hide in gas clouds

Vast reservoirs of previously undetected gas could account for much of galaxies’ matter, solving a cosmic mystery.

Astronomy

Enormous cosmic lens magnifies supernova

Galaxy warps light of distant exploding star, greatly increasing its brightness.

Life

Marine microbes shed packets of DNA, nutrients

The world’s most abundant marine microorganism, the photosynthetic bacteria Prochlorococcus, spits out nutrient-rich vesicles into ocean waters, perhaps for genetic exchange or as a survival mechanism.

Neuroscience

A schizophrenia drug turns on protein factories in cells

Haloperidol reshapes neurons, which might explain how the medicine works.

Computing

Materials’ light tricks may soon extend to doing math

A simulation paves the way toward metamaterials that can perform ultrafast complex mathematical operations using light waves.

Health & Medicine

Pacemaker treats sleep apnea

Experimental device works for many patients who can’t use breathing machines.

Animals

Dog-paddle science debunks notion of underwater trot

From Newfoundlands to Yorkshire terriers, canines swim with similar, distinctive gait.

Psychology

Migraines respond to great expectations

Patients get more pain relief from drug and placebo labeled as headache busters than from those labeled as dummy pills.

Astronomy

Supernova is a dust factory

Grains of matter spewed by stellar explosion offer clues to early star formation.

Astronomy

Unusual three-star system promises new test of gravity

A unique stellar threesome could help astronomers test the leading theory of gravity to unprecedented precision.

Neuroscience

Hormone hampers effects of marijuana

Study of pot-blocking brain chemical in rodents could lead to new treatments for cannabis addiction.

Astronomy

Relic of early universe found nearby

A galaxy little changed since the dawn of the universe shows up in our celestial neighborhood.