Uncategorized
- Tech
Silicon chips land a lasting laser
The first microchip-size silicon lasers promise to boost the maximum speeds of ordinary computers and electronic gadgets.
- Tech
Remembering, on the cheap
A new type of cheap plastic memory bit that stays set even when electrical power is off could facilitate the spread of flexible, radio-equipped tags as price tags, identity labels, and surveillance sensors.
- Health & Medicine
Tungsten-alloy shrapnel might cause cancer
Wounds caused by shrapnel comprising tungsten alloyed with nickel and cobalt cause cancer in rats, raising questions about the wisdom of using tungsten in munitions.
- Animals
Picky-eater termites choose good vibes
Good vibrations may have a lot to do with which pieces of wood a termite attacks.
- Math
New largest prime discovered
Computers have discovered a new largest prime number with a whopping 7,816,230 digits.
- Astronomy
Puzzling radio blasts
Astronomers are stumped by powerful radio waves emanating from the center of our galaxy.
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- Humans
From the March 9, 1935, issue
How early fish learned to swim, a long-distance record for short radio waves, and tidal effects inside Earth.
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Ospreys in the Classroom
The University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center offers a set of multidisciplinary lesson plans introducing students from grades four through eight to raptors. Topics range from predator-prey relationships and habitats to environmental sampling. The lessons focus mainly on learning about ospreys. Go to: http://www.cvm.umn.edu/depts/raptorcenter/education/lessonplans/
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Bacterial Nanny: Beewolf grows microbe for protecting young
A European wasp leaves a smear of bacteria near each of her eggs as protection against the perils of youth.
- Materials Science
Slick Surfaces: Pressure builds to make better motor oils
Motor oil's protection against the wear and tear of steel engine parts takes effect only at high pressures.
- Health & Medicine
Anoint Them with Oil: Cheap-and-easy treatment cuts infection rates in premature infants
Massaging premature babies with sunflower-seed oil can cut bloodborne infection rates.
