All Stories by Science News
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19797
Your article mentioned choline as a possible treatment. This is not a new idea, as I found while searching the Science News Web site: In the June 22, 1935, issue, choline is reported as “a new aid in controlling diabetes.” Dr. C.H. Best, codiscoverer of insulin, reported the new finding. Daniel VanceCleveland, Tenn.
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Microbe World
Created by the American Society for Microbiology, the Microbe World Web site highlights the increasing importance of microbes in the environment, biotechnology, alternative energy, food science, and healthcare. Designed for science enthusiasts, students, teachers, parents, and the general public, the site features articles, images, audio and video podcasts, RSS feeds, and mobile “phonecasts.” Microbe World […]
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19796
In regards to the findings noted in this article, I find it hard to rule out an interpretation that would not require anything similar to planning. This could simply be pattern completion, similar to building a nest or bower. The animal is not necessarily planning, but simply filling in missing pieces. Robert FizzellBeloit, Wis.
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19795
Fractal characteristics associated with Jackson Pollack’s paintings are interesting, but to determine authenticity, it would seem that two propositions would have to be proved: first, that Pollack’s paintings always had fractal character; and second, that only Pollack’s paintings had fractal character. Both seem highly dubious. Steve JohnsonPrairie Village, Kan. In doing drip or splash painting, […]
- Humans
Letters from the February 24, 2007, issue of Science News
No piece of cake The new mathematical method for equitable cake sharing (“A Fair Slice: New method makes for equitable eating,” SN: 12/16/06, p. 390) actually leads to a version of Zeno’s paradox. The problem is that the cake remnant left after the referee gives the two eaters their respective, equally valued pieces is no […]
- Humans
From the February 13, 1937, issue
A model for flood control and a 1-ton robot that solves equations.
- Earth
Ozone Depletion and Recovery
Answers to questions about ozone depletion and the recovery of the ozone hole are now easy to find by researchers, as well as the general public, through a new online index developed by NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory. The site uses simple graphs and charts to track progress in reducing the threat to Earth’s ozone […]
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19794
Finding CO2 levels that are 2,500 times higher in 5,000-year-old fulgurites than in modern samples, scientists have speculated that the extra CO2 resulted from vaporization of organic material by lightning. Could some of this gas reflect elevated atmospheric CO2? And if so, could current laments regarding “unprecedented levels” of CO2 be insupportable? John M. CorboyMililani, […]
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19793
I enjoyed reading this article about the marine census that’s been taking place, but I was waiting for some mention of the organisms’ parasites. Granted, worms are not glamour-pusses, but they are fascinating creatures. If we want a complete survey, they must be included. Ann GardnerLincoln, Neb.
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19792
This article points out that vital intrinsic neural activities may in part stem from a person’s random thoughts and daydreams, or from neural efforts to balance the opposing signals of cells simultaneously trying to jack up and cool down brain activity, or could occur during an internal process of generating predictions about upcoming environmental demands […]
- Humans
Letters from the February 17, 2007, issue of Science News
Fear factor In response to “The Predator’s Gaze” (SN: 12/9/06, p. 379), I write as a psychiatrist and a mother. My ex-husband is now in prison, and my son likely carries the genes of sociopathy. The quality of fearlessness mentioned in the article seems to be one of the temperamental traits most associated with the […]
