Uncategorized
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MathThe Eclipse That Saved Columbus
An eclipse prediction in a book of astronomical tables helped Columbus out of a jam.
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19739
The explanation in this article for the increased ocean-surface temperature seemed to focus solely on atmospheric effects. I wonder if variations in undersea volcanism might have contributed to the sudden spike in Pacific Ocean surface temperatures during the Aptian epoch of the Cretaceous period. If so, then a moderately higher release of volcanic ash might […]
By Science News -
EarthHot, Hotter, Hot: Climate seesawed during dinosaur age
The climate during the time of the dinosaurs varied far more than scientists had previously thought.
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AstronomyJet Set: Astronomers identify the makeup of quasar streams
Astronomers have identified the particles in jets emanating from supermassive black holes as electrons and protons, which carry much more energy than some computer models had suggested.
By Ron Cowen -
Shop Until You Can’t Stop: Compulsive buying affects both men and women
A national telephone survey indicates that nearly 6 percent of adults find themselves unable to resist frequent shopping binges that leave them saddled with debt, anxiety, and depression.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineImproving the View: Treatment reverses macular degeneration
People with the eye disease known as macular degeneration now have a better-than-average prospect of recovering some vision, thanks to a new drug that takes a lesson from an anticancer strategy.
By Nathan Seppa -
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This article concludes with the interesting fact that the only annual drop in U.S. population during the past century “occurred between July 1917 and July 1918, when the country was at war,” implying a military cause for the decline. Indeed, the honored dead of the First World War did total 116,708. However, you missed the […]
By Science News -
HumansU.S. population to surpass 300 million
At approximately the middle of October, the population of the United States will hit and then quickly eclipse 300 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
By Ben Harder -
AnimalsKrill kick up a storm of ocean mixing
Scientists have measured living creatures' contribution to the stirring of ocean water, and they found that little kicking krill legs do a lot.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsSilky feet
Zebra tarantulas can secrete silk from their feet, a feat that may help them better adhere to surfaces.
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Health & MedicineCigarettes and lead linked to attention disorder
Nearly half a million cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder among U.S. children are related to exposures to lead or their mothers' smoking while pregnant.
By Ben Harder -
AstronomyOversize supernova
Researchers have found a supernova so luminous that it must have been produced by a much heavier star than the standard theory allows.
By Ron Cowen