Science News
Forgotten aliens: We should hunt for viruses in space
New Scientist - 1 Jan 2014 18:00
Viruses outnumber all cellular life forms on Earth at least 10 to 1 - so we can't ignore them in our search for extraterrestrial life, argues astrovirologist Ken Stedman (full text available to subscribers)
We don't need to land to find life on Europa
New Scientist - 1 Jan 2014 10:00
Landing on Jupiter's moon carries the very real risk of contamination with earthly bugs. But we may not need to touch down on Europa to find life
Smarter, Deadlier Drones Mapped Out in Defense Plan
Live Science - 1 Jan 2014 21:13
In a new roadmap, the Department of Defense envisions the future of unmanned vehicles, with such technologies as precision navigation, swarming munitions and increased autonomy.
Regal Colors Revealed in Ancient Fabrics from Israeli Caves
Live Science - 1 Jan 2014 19:57
A new analysis shows that three scraps of fabric found in Israeli caves had been dyed indigo, purple and crimson -- the hues of the rich and regal during the Roman era -- using sea snail ink some 2,000 years ago.
US Army Straps Laser to Truck, Takes Target Practice With Drones and Mortars
Singularity Hub - 1 Jan 2014 19:40
In three weeks of testing at New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range, the US Army recently reported they'd successfully engaged over 90 mortars and drones with--a giant laser mounted on top of a truck. Using radar to loca...
Polar Bear Plunge Physiology: What A Cold Water Dip On New Year's Day Does To Your Body
IBTimes - 1 Jan 2014 16:00
In New York City, it's only about an hour on the Q train from the crush of New Year's Eve parties at Times Square to Coney Island, where hundreds of people are expected to rush into the Atlantic Ocean on Jan. 1. All acro...
What an Exomoon Would Look Like from Earth [Video]
Scientific American - 1 Jan 2014 16:00
In “ Astronomers Search for Moons Circling Distant Exoplanets ” author Lee Billings explores the hunt for moons orbiting distant planets--exomoons. The project uses data from the... --
Pacific coral happy as acidity of the ocean rises
New Scientist - 1 Jan 2014 16:00
Reefs found thriving in naturally acidified waters give hope that some corals could cope with climate change
Happy New Solar Ellipse!
Scientific American - 1 Jan 2014 15:00
Happy New Year! And don’t feel bad about taking today off. After all, you’ve traveled far. And I’m not talking about the trip home from the party. According to NASA, just by... --
Armpit cheese: The sweeter side of bacteria
New Scientist - 1 Jan 2014 12:00
Would you eat cheese cultivated from your armpit sweat or toe jam? No? Then you should rethink your prejudices about bacteria (full text available to subscribers)
Our liver vacation: Is a dry January really worth it?
New Scientist - 1 Jan 2014 10:38
Less liver fat, cholesterol and weight - just some of the benefits that New Scientist staff enjoyed in a pioneering study into a month's alcohol abstinence
This is Why You Won't Keep Your New Year's Resolution (Op-Ed)
Live Science - 1 Jan 2014 02:42
People do a lot of unwise things at New Year. They drink too much, kiss people their better judgment would tell them to avoid, and stay out way past their bed-time. They also make New Year's resolutions.
Up in the Sky: It's a Nuclear Explosion!
Live Science - 1 Jan 2014 01:18
If you live in the southern hemisphere, you now can safely view the aftermath of a nuclear explosion from the comfort of your own backyard.
Cinema Classics: Five of the Best Science and Technology Films (Op-Ed)
Live Science - 1 Jan 2014 00:01
For every The Social Network, however, there is a Hackers; likewise, rare accomplishments such as 2001: A Space Odyssey tend to be followed by a flurry of ill-advised imitators.