Uncategorized
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Health & Medicine
Want that fiber regular or decaf?
Coffee is a significant, and previously unrecognized, source of dietary fiber.
By Janet Raloff -
Humans
USDA proposes an office of science
The Bush administration's proposed 2007 farm bill would merge two existing U.S. Department of Agriculture research agencies into a single office of science.
By Janet Raloff -
Planetary Science
Solar craft reaches a new low
The Ulysses spacecraft passed directly below the sun on Feb. 7, looking up at its south pole, a feat the craft has done only twice before.
By Ron Cowen -
19795
Fractal characteristics associated with Jackson Pollack’s paintings are interesting, but to determine authenticity, it would seem that two propositions would have to be proved: first, that Pollack’s paintings always had fractal character; and second, that only Pollack’s paintings had fractal character. Both seem highly dubious. Steve JohnsonPrairie Village, Kan. In doing drip or splash painting, […]
By Science News -
Humans
Fractal or Fake?
A physicist who uses fractals to investigate the authenticity of some paintings attributed to Jackson Pollock finds that the works may be fake. But is the flaw in the paintings or in the fractal analysis?
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Astronomy
Studies of Light and Shadow
Two new surveys of the night sky examine the two facets of galaxy formation: the glitter and the gloom.
By Ron Cowen -
Humans
Letters from the February 24, 2007, issue of Science News
No piece of cake The new mathematical method for equitable cake sharing (“A Fair Slice: New method makes for equitable eating,” SN: 12/16/06, p. 390) actually leads to a version of Zeno’s paradox. The problem is that the cake remnant left after the referee gives the two eaters their respective, equally valued pieces is no […]
By Science News -
Humans
From the February 13, 1937, issue
A model for flood control and a 1-ton robot that solves equations.
By Science News -
Earth
Ozone Depletion and Recovery
Answers to questions about ozone depletion and the recovery of the ozone hole are now easy to find by researchers, as well as the general public, through a new online index developed by NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory. The site uses simple graphs and charts to track progress in reducing the threat to Earth’s ozone […]
By Science News -
Math
The Complexity of TipOver and Other Puzzles
Solving puzzles such as TipOver and River Crossing can be surprisingly difficult.
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Animals
Perils of Migration: New evidence that bats stalk birds
Big Mediterranean bats snatch migrating songbirds out of the night sky in spring and fall.
By Susan Milius -
Bridging the Divide? Technique sheds light on cleft palate gene
A new approach has enabled researchers to prevent cleft palate in mice genetically engineered to develop that birth defect.