Uncategorized
- Tech
Pumping Alloy
A new way to power artificial muscles improves the prospects for making lifelike humanoid robots and prosthetic limbs.
-
19698
Your article implies that there’s not an available cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. I was amazed to find no mention of vitamin B12. I can attest to the remarkable effect. Earl L. PyeOak Hills, Calif . Limited evidence suggests that vitamin B12 absorption may be impaired in some people with chronic fatigue syndrome. No published […]
- Health & Medicine
A Vexing Enigma
While no drug or lab test is approved to treat or diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome, new research into the biology of the disorder may begin to shed light on the problem.
- Humans
Letters from the July 1, 2006, issue of Science News
Looking into the future Your article states that farsightedness will be treated with these new electric lenses (“Switch-a-Vision: Electric spectacles could aid aging eyes,” SN: 4/22/06, p. 243). With some tweaking, could nearsightedness and astigmatism be treated as well? Could binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes use this technology? Roger CurnowGrand Rapids, Mich. Yes and yes, says […]
- Math
Counting Franklin’s Magic Squares
Benjamin Franklin's remarkable magic squares are just three of more than 1 million possibilities. For more math, visit the MathTrek blog.
- Humans
From the June 20, 1936, issue
A lightning portrait, the effects of cosmic rays, and helium to prevent the bends.
- Humans
Visible Proofs
This dramatic Web site from the U.S. National Library of Medicine unveils the world of forensic medicine, anthropology, technology, and history. The site includes information on significant cases, various technologies, and other topics. It also has three online activities and three lesson plans. Go to: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/index.html
- Paleontology
Sticky Subjects: Insights into ancient spider diet, kinship
Remnants of a spider web embedded in ancient amber suggest that some spiders' diets haven't changed much in millions of years.
- Earth
Toxic Leftovers: Microbes convert flame retardant
Bacteria can break down a common flame retardant into more-toxic forms.
-
Older but Mellower: Aging brain shifts gears to emotional advantage
The aging brain reorganizes in ways that foster emotional stability and a tendency to favor positive emotions over negative ones.
-
19697
It’s true that as we grow older, many aggravations that we used to take seriously seem to lose edge. Some of us, however, become grumpy, cantankerous oldsters. It’s generally recognized that a positive outlook on life has a favorable effect on general health. If that’s correct, then the “mellow oldsters” might have been a self-selected […]
- Ecosystems
A Chronicle of Coasts: Study charts historical changes in seas, estuaries
New research compares the long-term ecological impact of human activities in estuaries and coastal seas on three continents.
