Uncategorized
- Ecosystems
Fierce invader steals nests from a native fish
The round goby, a Eurasian fish that has invaded the Great Lakes, is causing the decline of the mottled sculpin by displacing the native from its spawning sites.
- Materials Science
Materials use nitric oxide to kill bacteria
A novel coating may offer a new way to fend off microbial buildup on catheters, artificial hips, and replacement cardiac valves.
- Materials Science
Speed demon gets hooked on silicon
A method for coating silicon with high-performance semiconductors such as gallium arsenide may make faster, low-power microcircuits both cheaper and more widespread.
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18973
“Bt corn risk to monarchs is ‘negligible'” is full of manipulative words. How exactly was the “highly polarized atmosphere surrounding genetically modified crops . . . hampering attempts to rationally plan and evaluate research”? The companies that make the strains of corn discussed in the article are not named, of course. Nor are any ties […]
- Earth
Bt Corn Risk to Monarchs Is ‘Negligible’
A much-anticipated report states that the most commonly planted forms of genetically engineered Bt corn pose only a "negligible" risk to monarch butterfly populations.
- Anthropology
Neandertals show ancient signs of caring
A partial jaw unearthed in France indicates that Neandertals extensively cared for sick and infirm comrades beginning nearly 200,000 years ago.
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18967
Regarding “Neandertals show ancient signs of caring,” it seems to me that rather than “pounding, chopping, or cooking tougher food” for a friend or relative, these kindly Neandertals probably just masticated a mouthful before passing it on. This is something people do all over the world. Sharon Rudahl Los Angeles, Calif.
- Earth
Scientists spy sixth undersea-vent ecology
A new group of hydrothermal vents found in the Indian Ocean are populated by communities of organisms that differ significantly from other such groups of vent systems.
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Brief diet alters gene activity
Even a short-term diet may activate anti-aging genes.
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Homing in on a longevity gene
A gene on chromosome 4 may help people live to an old age.
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Embryo stem cells turned to blood
Human embryonic stem cells may provide a new source of blood and bone marrow.
- Health & Medicine
Painkillers may damage hearts
A retrospective study suggests that commonly used painkillers called COX-2 inhibitors may slightly increase a person's risk of having a heart attack.
