Uncategorized
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Science Past from the issue of June 3, 1961
ATOMIC ENERGY SEEN BEST FOR ROCKET POWER — Atomic energy is the most feasible source for powering rockets into the far reaches of outer space. A refined model of a nuclear power system now being developed could be used to propel space probes to Mars and Venus, [said] Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, chairman of the […]
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Science Future for June 4, 2011
June 27 Go behind the scenes of Houston’s Cockrell Butterfly Center. Go to https://store.hmns.org July 15–17 Swim with the world’s largest fish at the fourth annual Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. More information at www.whalesharkfest.com
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SN Online
BODY & BRAINBroken neural loops distinguish vegetative states. Read “Gravely damaged brains have ‘bottleneck.’ ” MATTER & ENERGYBird plumage inspires a new laser design. See “New laser is from the birds.” HUMANSDepression may boost individuals’ analytical skills. Read “Thinking better with depression.” LIFE Ancient fungi finally found. See “New fungi the dark matter of mushrooms.”
- Science & Society
Blood Work
A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution by Holly Tucker.
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Dream Life: An Experimental Memoir by J. Allan Hobson
A candid memoir of the author’s career studying the neurobiology of sleep and dreams. MIT Press, 2011, 296 p., $29.95.
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The Theory That Would Not Die: How Bayes’ Rule Cracked the Enigma Code, Hunted Down Russian Submarines, and Emerged Triumphant from Two Centuries of Controversy by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne
The history of Bayes’ theorem and its controversial role in science’s use of statistics. Yale Univ. Press, 2011, 336 p., $27.50.
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The Darwin Archipelago: The Naturalist’s Career Beyond Origin of Species by Steve Jones
A surprising look at Darwin’s lesser-known works uncovers the foundations of entire fields of biology, from soil science to early inklings of hormones. Yale Univ. Press, 2011, 248 p., $27.50.
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Lab Coats in Hollywood: Science, Scientists, and Cinema by David A. Kirby
A behind-the-scenes peek at how science consultants have helped movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Beautiful Mind try to present science realistically. MIT Press, 2011, 265 p., $27.95.
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Atlas of Oceans: An Ecological Survey of Underwater Life by John Farndon
This richly illustrated survey of marine life introduces basic principles of oceanography and highlights the hazards of environmental degradation. Yale Univ. Press, 2011, 256 p., $50.
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Letters
Nuclear recycling In all I’ve read in the popular press about spent nuclear fuel, including “Natural catastrophe begets nuclear crisis” (SN: 4/9/11, p. 6), all that is written about is on-site storage or burial. Why is reprocessing of the fuel never seriously considered? I understand that the French have done it successfully for years. Are […]
- Health & Medicine
Don’t share that clarinet
Bacteria can linger on woodwind instruments, particularly those with reeds, for days, a new study finds.
