Uncategorized
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PhysicsInventing the Light Fantastic
The history of the laser: An idea that began with Albert Einstein inspired a race to create a special beam of light that has since infiltrated numerous aspects of everyday life.
By Ron Cowen -
PhysicsLaser pioneer reflects on making Einstein’s idea real
Science News reporter Ron Cowen's Q&A with Nobel laureate and laser-technology pioneer Charles Townes.
By Ron Cowen -
LifeParadox of dining in deep, wet mud
A bonanza of food doesn’t necessarily result in biodiversity among deep sediment dwellers off California’s coast.
By Susan Milius -
SpaceLife in the sticky lane
Tropical asphalt lake could be analog for extraterrestrial microbial habitat.
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AstronomyHubble’s new instant classic
NASA has released a stunning image of a nearby star-forming region to celebrate the telescope's 20th birthday.
By Ron Cowen -
EarthEmerging Northwest fungal disease develops virulent Oregon strain
Uncommon but sometimes fatal infections of the lung or brain can show up months after someone inhales spores.
By Susan Milius -
PsychologyDream a little dream of recall
As the sleeping brain builds memories it generates dreams about recently learned material, a new study suggests.
By Bruce Bower -
SpaceSolar-staring spacecraft captures novel views of sun’s violence
NASA has released the first images recorded by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, the first craft to examine the sun’s entire disk at high resolution and over a multitude of wavelengths.
By Ron Cowen -
HumansWha’dja say?
Casual speakers drop syllables and even whole words, eavesdropping scientists report.
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EarthStudies aim to resolve confusion over mercury risks from fish
Several new papers suggest strategies by which American diners can negotiate a mercury minefield to tap dietary benefits in fish.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineMarker protein may help breast cancer screening
High amounts of EGFR can show up in the blood as much as 17 months before disease is diagnosed, a study finds.
By Nathan Seppa -
AnimalsMale spiders have safe(r) sex with siblings
In a cannibalistic species, brothers minimize risk when mating with their sisters.
By Susan Milius