Uncategorized

  1. Health & Medicine

    Being bilingual is great. But it may not boost some brain functions

    A large study of U.S. bilingual children didn’t turn up obvious benefits in abilities to ignore distractions or switch quickly between tasks.

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  2. Physics

    Big black holes can settle in the outskirts of small galaxies

    Astronomers have found dozens of surprisingly massive black holes far from the centers of their host dwarf galaxies.

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  3. Physics

    Spherical flames in space could solve the mystery of soot-free fires

    In microgravity, flames are sphere-shaped. Tests of fire on the International Space Station are helping show how gases flow within flames.

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  4. Chemistry

    Sweaty, vinegary and sweet odors mingle to make dark chocolate’s smell

    Scientists have worked out the chemistry of dark chocolate’s smell and reconstructed the aroma.

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  5. Health & Medicine

    Faulty cellular antennae may cause a heart valve disorder

    Mitral valve prolapse might be caused by dysfunctional primary cilia meant to signal cells during development.

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  6. Environment

    Emissions of a banned ozone-destroying chemical have been traced to China

    Since 2013, eastern China has increased its annual emissions of a banned chlorofluorocarbon by about 7,000 metric tons, a study finds.

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  7. Health & Medicine

    A cognitive neuroscientist warns that the U.S. justice system harms teen brains

    The U.S. justice system holds adolescents to adult standards, and puts young people in situations that harm their development, a researcher argues.

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  8. Plants

    Some plants use hairy roots and acid to access nutrients in rock

    Shrubs in mountainous areas of Brazil have specialized roots that secrete chemicals to extract phosphorus from rock.

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  9. Science & Society

    How the battle against measles varies around the world

    Measles is a global health threat. Snapshots of several countries show how stopping its spread depends on local conditions and beliefs.

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  10. Health & Medicine

    Measles erases the immune system’s memory

    The measles virus can usher in other infections for months, or even years.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Finding common ground can reduce parents’ hesitation about vaccines

    Physicians are examining whether discussing shared health goals can bring vaccine-hesitant parents on board.

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  12. Paleontology

    Signs of red pigment were spotted in a fossil for the first time

    For the first time, scientists have identified the chemical fingerprint of red pigment in a fossil.

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