News
- Space
NASA spacecraft puts moon in new focus
Images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter show fine details of the lunar surface.
By Nadia Drake - Physics
Better putting in a few simple steps
A physicist develops a rule of thumb for getting the ball in the hole.
By Devin Powell - Earth
Modern-day sea level rise skyrocketing
A spike that began during the 19th century appears to be linked to rising temperatures and increasing greenhouse gases.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Brain has two slots for working memory
The left and right hemispheres have equal and independent capacity, monkey study finds.
- Physics
Science of friction is a bit rough
In lab experiments, physicists trying to understand earthquakes are bumping up against the limitations of existing theory.
By Devin Powell - Planetary Science
Messages from Mercury
The latest data from a NASA spacecraft give compositional clues and reveal craters that could hold frozen water
By Ron Cowen - Earth
Tsunami lit up the heavens
Camera captures glowing atmospheric ripples triggered by Japan’s deadly quake as they pass over Hawaii.
- Psychology
Some fights vanish in plain sight
People engrossed in a task frequently overlook the seemingly obvious, such as a loud brawl.
By Bruce Bower - Life
Loophole found in genetic traffic laws
In a violation of textbook biology, a modified RNA component can cause the cell's protein-making machinery to run genetic stop signs.
- Chemistry
Dino proteins could have been sheltered
An analysis of collagen structure finds protective pockets, backing up claims of preserved tissue finds.
- Life
Ketamine’s antidepressant effect explained
A potential fast-acting treatment boosts the brain chemical BDNF, which may be lacking in depression.
- Space
Next solar cycle could be a no-show
Three lines of evidence suggest that the sun’s next activity cycle will be delayed for years and may not happen at all, an outcome that could have major implications for Earth’s climate.
By Ron Cowen