Uncategorized

  1. Math

    Coins in a Row

    A simple game involving coins in a row has unexpected complexities.

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  2. Humans

    Letters from the May 14, 2005, issue of Science News

    It’s kids’ stuff Regarding the therapeutic effects of sunflower-seed oil on infants (“Anoint Them with Oil: Cheap-and-easy treatment cuts infection rates in premature infants,” SN: 3/12/05, p. 165), has any research been done as to the health benefits of the oil in any other age group? Yael LevyNew York, N.Y. Research to date has focused […]

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  3. Humans

    From the May 11, 1935, issue

    Falconry in the United States, new 'ears' for anti-aircraft guns, and Albert Einstein's objections to quantum mechanics.

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  4. Amazing Paper Airplanes

    If you want to build paper airplane models of the space shuttle, F-16 Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and other aircraft, this page from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers plans and folding instructions. For additional designs, see Kyong H. Lee’s “Amazing Paper Airplanes” Web site. Go to: http://www.asme.org/events/flight/paperarchive.shtml?URL=www.asme.org and http://www.amazingpaperairplanes.com/

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  5. 19551

    This article makes the common claim that self-replicating robots could be a boon for clearing minefields. In truth, a complex electronic device simply does not last long in the field. When it breaks and you are 3 days from the nearest town, where do you get a spare part or battery? Tools for removing land […]

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  6. Tech

    In Its Own Image: Simple robot replicates itself block by block

    A robot made by stacking identical, cubelike modules has demonstrated that it can copy itself.

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  7. Health & Medicine

    Watch and Wait, or Not: Studies weigh risks of delaying prostate surgery

    Two long-running studies of men with prostate cancer have partly clarified the risks of postponing treatment of the disease.

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  8. Chemistry

    Metal Rebel: Under extreme pressure, sodium breaks the rules for turning into liquid

    In a demonstration that defies certain basic assumptions in physics, researchers have created liquid sodium at room temperature under high pressures.

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  9. DNA’s Moody Temperament: Gene variant linked to depression-ready brain

    A common version of a gene involved in regulating the neurotransmitter serotonin creates a brain that responds sensitively to stress and is therefore more likely to become depressed.

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  10. Astronomy

    Fleeting Flash: Pinpointing a short gamma-ray burst

    An invisible, highly energetic flash detected by a spacecraft early this week may have given astronomers their first glimpse of two neutron stars colliding to forge a black hole.

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  11. 19550

    This article states that “the resulting blurred view is good enough for spotting large objects such as mangrove roots.” It seems to me that the article is missing the crucial biological question presented by these eyes. My understanding is that the nervous system of a jellyfish contains no true nerves and no centralization. How can […]

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  12. Animals

    Built for Blurs: Jellyfish have great eyes that can’t focus

    Eight of a box jellyfish's eyes have superb lenses, but their structure prevents them from focusing sharply.

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