News
- Math
Cells take on traveling salesman problem
With neither minds nor maps- chemical-sensing immune players do well with decades-old mathematical problem, a computer simulation reveals.
- Space
Baffling blowup in distant galaxy
A high-energy blast has gone on for 11 days, puzzling astronomers as to its source.
- Space
Pioneer puzzle pinned on thermodynamics
Waste heat, not exotic physics, is slowing two 1970s-era space probes down more than would be expected, a new study claims.
- Health & Medicine
Gut microbes may foster heart disease
In breaking down a common dietary fat, helpful bacteria initiate production of an artery-hardening compound, mouse experiments suggest.
- Space
Fermilab data hint at possible new particle
For the second time in weeks, results from powerful collisions of protons and antiprotons at Fermilab’s Tevatron accelerator can’t be explained with standard model of physics.
- Life
Why diversity rules
A new experiment demonstrates the way a multitude of specialized species absorb nutrients more effectively than a highly productive one.
- Humans
Genetic roots of ‘orchid’ children
Kids who inherit certain DNA variants may be most likely to wilt in bad circumstances and bloom in good ones.
- Psychology
Shocking experiment shows talk is cheap
Though most people swear they'd never hurt anybody for money, most are also quick to shock a new acquaintance for a few quid when actually given the chance, a British study finds.
- Health & Medicine
Beer, bugs, DNA linked to stomach cancer
Guzzlers who have a particular genetic variant and an unnoticed bacterial infection are at high risk, a European study finds.
- Life
Sugar fuels growth of insulin-making cells
Mouse study suggests a new strategy for treating diabetes.
- Health & Medicine
Meditators can concentrate the hurt away
Experiment participants felt less pain while practicing mindfulness.
- Earth
Arctic Ocean hosts weird freshwater pond
Odd, persistent winds prevent river inputs from mixing with the sea.
