Science News

All Stories by Science News

  1. Humans

    Support for Evolution

    Alliance for Science seeks to unite prominent scientists and other influential opponents of creationism “to educate the public about the different but complementary roles of science and religion; to improve the teaching of science in our public schools; and to restore the excitement about science and discovery.” One new enterprise it’s sponsoring: an essay contest […]

  2. Humans

    Letters from the December 1, 2007, issue of Science News

    Bed nets and insecticides Kenyan researchers report that insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce malaria-related deaths in children (“Keep Out: Treated mosquito nets limit child deaths,” SN: 9/29/07, p. 195). While these nets appear to provide preventive measures against malaria, my only concern is the toxicity of the insecticides. The World Health Organization lists two of […]

  3. Humans

    From the November 20, 1937, issue

    An American Nobel laureate in physics, the need for research in the chemistry of petroleum, and a new way to send photographs by telegraph.

  4. Poles Apart, but Viewed Together

    We’re well into the International Polar Year, which actually runs for 2 years. The program, which is coordinating teams doing Arctic and Antarctic research, will allow the public to periodically check in on developments. For instance, people will be able to follow polar animals as they fly around the Antarctic, swim through the oceans, or […]

  5. 19904

    This article says that patches of uncultivated land provide a haven for native bees that can help with pollination. Flowering hedgerows, as used in England instead of fences, would also ensure a source of wild bees as well as a refuge for wild bird populations. Roger W. OttoSan Mateo, Calif.

  6. Humans

    Letters from the November 24, 2007, issue of Science News

    Blame where it’s due Although multinational agreements on global warming try to spread the burden among all nations, data from the MILAGRO project in Mexico City (“What Goes Up,” SN: 9/8/07, p. 152) suggest that the major responsibility for excess production of greenhouse gases and other pollutants lies with the megacities, which constitute a rather […]

  7. 19903

    We in Maine were surprised to learn that the beautiful Penobscot Narrows Bridge runs between Bangor and Brewer. In fact, it connects Prospect, in Waldo County, with Verona, in Hancock County. The three bridges that connect Bangor and Brewer are frankly boring in comparison. And if you’re in the area, please head 30 miles up […]

  8. 19902

    In all the recent discussions regarding science education in the U.S., one factor that has not been mentioned is the antiscience attitude of many leaders and people in the media. It is fashionable to be ignorant of math, but not to be illiterate. This must have some effect on motivation to learn about science. Dennis […]

  9. Humans

    From the November 13, 1937, issue

    Reconstructions of European dwellings from 2 and 4 millennia ago, an asteroid traveling at record-breaking speed, and a headlight that tilts as the car goes up or down a hill.

  10. Climate of Debate

    Want to get working climate scientists’ take on new and developing climate science? This site—developed for the interested public and journalists—aims “to provide a quick response to developing stories and provide the context sometimes missing in mainstream commentary. The discussion here is restricted to scientific topics and will not get involved in any political or […]

  11. 19901

    It’s not surprising that a study shows that “Too little sleep may fatten kids.” Less sleep leads to more snacking leads to weight gain. Irwin TylerSpring Valley, N.Y.

  12. 19900

    Lazarus taxa” is an appropriate name for species that seem to have been resurrected. However, the Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead was a householder who lived with his sisters, Mary and Martha, in Bethany (John 11). The beggar named Lazarus appeared in a parable that Jesus told to his followers (Luke 16). Linda […]