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PhysicsSuper Conductors
Materials that conduct electricity without resistance are known as superconductors. Explore the basic physics and potential applications of these fascinating materials at the American Physical Society’s Physics Central Web site. Go to: http://www.physicscentral.com/action/action-01-3.html
By Science News -
Evolutionary Shocker?
A specific protein may help plants and animals store genetic variation and release it at times of stress.
By John Travis -
19016
I was intrigued by your article for a couple of reasons. Isn’t this what Steven J. Gould said, that evolution is punctuated by environmental stresses that can bring about adapt-or-die changes rapidly? Also, what are the implications for the geneticists who base their mitochondrial DNA dating techniques on what they consider a fairly constant rate […]
By Science News -
19075
While applauding the work on infant recognition of numbers and arithmetic, it seems prudent that allowance be made for clues in the environment. For example, Arabic numbers themselves contain numbers of end points that can be used to count that many items. I personally used that method in kindergarten when we were made to stop […]
By Science News -
Numbers in Mind
Initial reports of babies' basic counting abilities have inspired a wave of new research and a spirited debate about what infants really know about numbers.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineChinese chimneys slash lung cancer risk
People in rural China who replace rudimentary domestic hearths with well-ventilated stoves enjoy both less-smoky homes and a dramatic reduction in their risk of developing lung cancer.
By Ben Harder -
ChemistryA crystal takes on an unusual topology
A single crystal exhibits the unusual topology known as a Möbius strip.
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19015
I read this article with interest. In view of your previous story noting no statistical difference in effects on bipolar disorder among lithium, valproate, and placebo (“Extended test for bipolar drug,” SN: 5/27/00, p. 351), the real mystery is why the psychiatric profession is still depending on lithium. T. Everett MobleyKennett, Mo.
By Science News -
Health & MedicineNew clue stirs up lithium mystery
Lithium and two other mood-stabilizing drugs may all work by depleting nerve cells of a chemical that the cells use to signal each other.
By John Travis -
TechTiny rockets may advance minisatellites
A new type of miniaturized rocket may bring microspacecraft one step closer to reality.
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19014
In this article, you state that magnesium sulfate has been shown to be effective in treating eclampsia. It also has been studied and apparently is effective in stopping some brain damage from stroke. I am wondering why the cost and availability of this drug is such a problem for poor countries. The last I checked, […]
By Science News -
Health & MedicineDrug cuts risk of seizures in pregnancy
An inexpensive drug treatment lessens the risk of seizures that sometimes strike and even kill women during pregnancy or immediately after delivery.
By Ben Harder