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X-treme Microbes
This graphics-heavy online feature tells the stories of microbes that survive and even thrive in inhospitable environments, including bone-dry deserts, boiling acid, and radioactive rock. The National Science Foundation launched the site last month. Go to: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/microbes
- Humans
Extreme Encyclopedia: Every living thing will get its own page
A consortium of museums and laboratories has unveiled plans to create a free, Web-based Encyclopedia of Life with an entry for every living species.
- Physics
Invisible Trail: Analyzing the vortices in the wake of a bat
Flying bat generate lift and thrust with their wings much differently than birds do.
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Cells’ Root: Adult stem cells have a master gene
Scientists have found a master gene that allows tissue-regenerating stem cells to retain their regenerative capacity.
- Astronomy
Stellar Spectacular: Brightest supernova
Astronomers have discovered the brightest stellar explosion ever observed, and it could be the first example of a rare type of supernova involving a freakishly massive star.
- Physics
Degrees of Quantumness: Shades of gray in particle-wave duality
Light can be made to act as if it's composed of particles, waves, or something in between.
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19830
Perhaps there need not be “degrees of quantumness”. As the beams pass increasingly closer to the surface, the plate will induce a small (but increasingly larger) spread of energies (hence wavelengths) in the electrons within the beam, possibly explaining the “smearing out” of the fringes in the interference pattern. Michael D. MeloySanta Barbara, Calif. Peter […]
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No Place Like Om: Meditation training puts oomph into attention
Intensive meditation training boosts a person's control over attention and expands a person's ability to notice rapidly presented items.
- Health & Medicine
Risk Factor: Throat cancer linked to virus spread by sex
Cancer of the throat and tonsils can arise from infection with a sexually transmitted virus.
- Humans
Lethal injection is inhumane, say researchers
Prisoners killed by lethal injection may be conscious and experience pain and burning sensations while they asphyxiate.
- Animals
Sex—perhaps a good idea after all
A family of mites may be the first animal lineage shown to have abandoned sexual reproduction and then reevolved it millions of years later.
- Health & Medicine
A smart pill for seniors?
A dietary supplement combo boosts older adults' performance on simple mental tests.
