Uncategorized
- Planetary Science
Lots of red dust, but not much noise
In space, no one can hear you scream, but a new analysis suggests that it's pretty quiet on Mars, too.
- Health & Medicine
Salmonella may join fight against cancer
Salmonella modified to remove its virulence works as a cancer vaccine, tests in mice show.
- Earth
Asian sediments betray age of nearby desert
Grains of silt embedded in thick sediments of northwestern China may settle a debate about the age of the Taklimakan Desert.
- Earth
Dirty Little Secret
Recognition is growing that many communities have soils laced with asbestos, which has prodded several federal agencies to probe the hazards they might pose.
- Astronomy
Astronomy Gets Polarized
Studies using polarized light, an endeavor once considered astronomy's stepchild, are now elucidating the shape of supernovas as well as providing new details about the early universe.
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19704
When discussing how polarized light can help clarify our understanding of supernova mechanisms, this article initially quotes Doug Leonard’s explanation that “one does not see deeper into an object using polarimetry.” Later, the story says that “polarization studies viewed deeper and deeper layers of the explosion.” Which is it? Hal HeatonDamascus, Md. Polarization studies don’t […]
- Math
Magic Square Physics
Taking a magic square or cube for a spin reveals some interesting properties. For more math, visit the MathTrek blog.
- Humans
From the June 27, 1936, issue
A revolution in image transmission, a thicker molecular film, and diabetes on the rise.
- Math
Mathematical Imagery
A new addition to the American Mathematical Society Web site, this set of pages features albums of math-inspired and mathematically-generated artworks. Many images can be sent as e-cards. The site also offers links to online galleries and museums and other resources about mathematics and art. Go to: http://www.ams.org/mathimagery/
- Health & Medicine
Lavender Revolution: Plant essences linked to enlarged breasts in boys
Two natural ingredients in many hair- and skin-care products act like a female sex hormone and can cause abnormal breast development in boys.
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19703
If the estrogenic properties of lavender oil and tea tree oil are actually sufficient to produce these effects in young boys, could they produce potentially more serious negative impacts on women with estrogen-positive breast cancer? I know that some oncologists recommend products containing tea tree oil to help relieve problems experienced by women undergoing chemotherapy. […]
- Chemistry
Sweet Synthesis: Fructose product could replace chemicals from oil
A new study describes the efficient use of fructose toward making a renewable building block for many useful chemicals.
