Uncategorized
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PsychologyWhy cell phone talkers are annoys-makers
Overhearing half of a conversation is so aggravating at least in part because it inordinately distracts a listener from tasks at hand.
By Bruce Bower -
EarthBack to the moon’s future
New crater and composition measurements from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter are helping scientists understand the moon’s history and scout for future landing sites.
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LifeMinimolecule may explain how antidepressants work
Research finds that Prozac increases levels of a microRNA and may explain why the drugs take several weeks to work.
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EnvironmentGases dominate Gulf’s subsea plumes
Shipboard experiments in June show that natural gas dominates the Gulf oil plumes and that its components are the favorite choice of microbes.
By Janet Raloff -
LifeStreetlights turn young duds into studs
Nocturnal illumination starts youthful male blue tits chirping earlier in the morning, tempting the mates of their still-snoozing elders.
By Susan Milius -
AgricultureA taste of the chocolate genome
Competing teams have announced the impending completion of the cacao DNA sequence.
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Health & MedicineScottish kids’ asthma declined after smoking ban
Hospitals report a drop in asthma emergencies among children since a law prohibiting lighting up in public buildings went into effect in 2006.
By Nathan Seppa -
LifeEnvironmental DNA modifications tied to obesity
Chemical changes that affect gene activity could underlie many common conditions, a new study suggests.
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SpaceBetween the sheets
The detection of layered minerals in a young star’s planet-forming region suggests an origin for Earth’s oceans.
By Ron Cowen -
LifeCuckoos thrown off by climate change
With earlier springs, the birds are duping a different mix of adoptive parents into raising their young.
By Susan Milius -
LifeDoing their part by not doing their part
Freeloaders can be good for a community, yeast experiments suggest.
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Health & MedicineDNA-damaging disinfection by-products found in pool water
A study detects subtle changes in swimmers’ cells after 40 minutes of laps.
By Janet Raloff