News
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HumansBabies see human hand behind ordered events
Experiments find that infants attribute actions to people.
By Bruce Bower -
PlantsChemists pin down poppy’s tricks for making morphine
Scientists have figured out two of the final key steps in the chain of chemical reactions that the opium poppy uses to synthesize morphine, suggesting possible signaling strategies for new ways of making the drug and its cousin painkillers.
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ChemistryPit vipers’ night vision explained
A new study finds the protein responsible for snakes’ sense of heat.
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Science & SocietyDon’t know much about…
A measure of U.S. science literacy has increased - to 28%
By Janet Raloff -
HumansOne key to teaching toddlers with TV: trickery
Kids under 3 can learn from educational videos if they believe what they’re seeing is real.
By Bruce Bower -
HumansYoung science scholars to be recognized
Finalists in the Science Talent Search are in Washington, D.C., to present their research; winners are to be announced March 16.
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PhysicsSupertwisty light proposed
Researchers suggest a never-before-imagined property of electromagnetic fields that could one day yield new types of sensors.
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LifeIngredients of hagfish slime revealed
Figuring out the ingredients still doesn’t explain how the fishes avoid premature mucus explosions
By Susan Milius -
PsychologyResearchers find early autism signs in some kids
A long-term investigation raises the possibility of identifying 14-month-olds who will develop autism spectrum disorder almost two years later.
By Bruce Bower -
SpaceMagnetic flows cause sunspot lows, study shows
Observations of gas flows on the solar surface may explain why the sun recently had such a prolonged case of the doldrums; could lead to more accurate predictions for the duration and severity of future solar cycles.
By Ron Cowen -
PhysicsFor quantum computer, add a dash of disorder
Flawed crystals could help couple light to matter and may compete with more perfectly ordered materials.
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Health & MedicineTemporary hearing impairment leads to ‘lazy ear’
A rodent study shows that even after ear infections clear up, brain rewiring may cause long-term hearing problems.