News
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Siblings of autistic children may share some symptoms
Studies may need to account for a predisposition to autistic traits in undiagnosed members of families where the disorder occurs.
By Bruce Bower -
- Space
It’s only a seltzer moon
Plumes spewing from the south pole of Saturn’s Enceladus may have carbonated source, a new analysis suggests.
By Ron Cowen - Animals
A little climate change goes a long way in the tropics
In hot places, even minor warming could rev up metabolism in animals that don’t generate their own heat, a new analysis suggests.
By Susan Milius - Chemistry
Basic tool for making organic molecules wins chemistry Nobel
Three researchers get prize for developing methods that use the metal palladium to catalyze the synthesis of complex carbon carbon-containing molecules for drugs, electronics and other applications.
- Health & Medicine
Getting to the bottom of diabetes and kidney disease
Renal cells called podocytes may need insulin to maintain tissues’ blood-filtration role, a study in mice finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Life
Massive count a drop in the bucket
As the decade-long Census of Marine Life totes up thousands of new species, it leaves much yet to discover in the world’s oceans.
By Susan Milius - Physics
Physics Nobel goes to graphene
Discovered only six years ago, the 2-D carbon sheets have spun off a new field of research.
- Space
Why Mars is a lightweight
Two new models of the early solar system try to explain why the Red Planet failed to grow as large as Earth or Venus.
By Ron Cowen - Earth
Air pollution appears to foster diabetes
Epidemiological studies confirm previously published animal data.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Medical Nobel goes to developer of IVF
Robert Edwards receives prize for work that led to 4 million births.
By Nathan Seppa - Life
To researchers’ surprise, one Pseudomonas infection is much like the next
Consistent genetic changes in the lung bacteria that commonly plague cystic fibrosis patients are a welcome discovery because they may point to new treatment strategies.