All Stories by Science News
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19074
As a resident of South Carolina, I was fascinated by this article, which refers to an investigation of an ancient crater buried beneath the Piedmont sediments of our state. However, there wouldn’t be deep sediments overlying basement rock in the Piedmont. There, “basement rock” is close to or at the surface. Julian R. HarrisonCharleston, S.C. […]
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From the June 11, 1932, issue
BUTTERFLIES, “WINGED JEWELS,” ARE GEMS AT START OF LIFE Butterflies have been called “winged jewels” so often that the conceit can hardly be considered poetic any longer. Yet the appropriateness of the old metaphor receives new confirmation when we look at the egg of a butterfly, which represents the humblest beginning of its career of […]
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Mendel’s Genetics
The Mendel Museum of Genetics in the Czech Republic offers a well-illustrated online exhibition devoted to Gregor Mendel’s life and work. Pages are devoted to such topics as the mathematics of inheritance and Mendel’s genetics garden. Genetics-inspired artworks are featured in the gallery of contemporary art. Go to: http://www.mendel-museum.org/eng/1online/
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19073
In reference to this article, I was curious as to whether there was any indication in the research that bipolar disorder in children was misdiagnosed as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder when those children were in the manic phase? Eric P. HuppCuster, S.D. The researchers recruited children whose mania was distinct from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Among […]
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From the January 4, 1930, issue
PILTDOWN MAN EARLIEST HUMAN BEING The ape-man of Darwin was read out of man’s family tree and the dawn-man of Sussex, older than 1,250,000 years, was elevated to the position of man’s progenitor by Dr. Henry Fairfield Osborn, president of the American Museum of Natural History, New York. A new picture was painted by Dr. […]
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Physics 101
From atoms and magnetism to fractals and Murphys Law, the American Physical Societys “Century of Physics” timeline provides a sweeping, colorful review of important discoveries and inventions associated with physics and technology. Visitors can move along the timeline year by year, consult an alphabetical index to find a particular topic or event, or search by […]
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19013
Concerning kids’ backpacks, these are not “backpacks.” These are better called “school” or “convenience” packs. A true backpack carries the load on the hips and waist, with shoulder straps for hold and balance, and does not encourage a stooped posture from carrying the load on the shoulders. Joseph KostkaNatrona Heights, Pa. I am 74 years […]
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19072
This article describes the use of interference patterns from laser light sources to measure the effects of gravity waves. This might lead one to conjecture whether there is an interference pattern that gravity waves by themselves might produce. A gravitational interference effect would correspond to gravitational “fringes” with more or less gravity and, therefore, areas […]
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19012
I remember reading about Ishi back in the 1970s when I was a teenager, and I was saddened anew by the story of the repatriation of his preserved brain. I hope that Alfred and Theodora Kroeber’s child, novelist Ursula K. LeGuin, will at some point take up the intriguing question posed in your story. How […]
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19011
I was surprised to learn that scientists have yet to solve the secret of why the moon looks larger when rising. Years ago, I was told by a teacher that the moon looks biggest when rising (or setting) because the observer is looking through more atmosphere, and thus its light is scattered more, changing its […]
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19010
This article describes the myelin sheath as “made of protein.” However, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (online) provides the following definition of myelin: “a soft white somewhat fatty material …” (emphasis added). Ann M. ThrockmortonLa Mesa, Calif. That’s right. There was an oversimplification in the story. Myelin is made up mostly of lipids .–D. Christensen
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19009
I am puzzled at the great concern over the problem of mercury thermometers, as noted in this article. I grant that mercury is a hazard, and I am glad that mercury thermometers are disappearing. But I would think that fluorescent light bulbs are a far more pervasive problem. They also contain a small amount of […]
