Science News
Sorry, tiger: Why we should save weird species first
New Scientist - 17 Jul 2014 21:00
With more than 4000 species on the brink of extinction and limited resources to help them, conservation needs to move beyond the cuteness factor (full text available to subscribers)
80-Meter-Wide Hole Discovered In Icy Northern Siberia
IBTimes - 17 Jul 2014 04:34
A giant hole that was spotted by a helicopter flying over northern Siberia continues to perplex scientists. According to the Siberian Times, the hole is 80 meters (260 feet) wide and has an unknown depth. It is located i...
Photos: The Colorful Life of Flower Hat Jellies
Live Science - 17 Jul 2014 23:45
When it comes to mating in captivity, flower-hat jellies are just as fussy as their appearance. Scientists recently documented the life cycle of the stunning sea creatures.
Malaysia Airlines Disaster: How a Missile Could Take Down a Plane
Live Science - 17 Jul 2014 22:38
A Malaysia Airlines flight en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was downed over a warzone in eastern Ukraine today (July 17). Ukrainian government officials are suggesting a surface-to-air missile may have ...
Adding Energy Drinks to Alcohol Boosts Urge to Drink
Live Science - 17 Jul 2014 22:14
People feel a stronger urge to drink more alcohol when their drink contains an energy drink, along with alcohol, a new study finds.
Bubble wrap used for cheap blood and bacteria tests
New Scientist - 17 Jul 2014 22:14
Cheap, lightweight and sterile, the common packing material can replace pricey chemistry gear when budgets are tight
Sensor-laden smart bandages to monitor vital signs
New Scientist - 17 Jul 2014 22:00
A project called Bioscope is building a type of bandage that senses a hospital patient's heart rate, temperature, internal body noises and physical movement
Students show Wallace and Gromit 'Wrong Trousers' are scientifically possible for a short period of time
Phys.org - 17 Jul 2014 21:40
In the classic 1993 Wallace & Gromit film The Wrong Trousers Gromit receives a pair of ex-NASA robotic Techno Trousers from Wallace for his birthday which allows for its wearer to walk on walls - and physics students fro...
Updated Earthquake Map Shakes Up Risk Zones
Live Science - 17 Jul 2014 21:26
A new report from the USGS reveals the parts of the U.S. that face risk of earthquakes within the next 50 years. Some areas are now thought to be at higher risk for earthquakes than they were previously, while others hav...
Rainwater Seeps Into Unexpected Depths Inside Earth
Live Science - 17 Jul 2014 21:11
Rocks from New Zealand's Alpine Fault show water can seep deeper into Earth's crust than previously thought.
Sorry, panda: Why we should save weird species first
New Scientist - 17 Jul 2014 21:00
With more than 4000 species on the brink of extinction and limited resources to help them, conservation needs to move beyond the cuteness factor (full text available to subscribers)
Future electronics may depend on lasers, not quartz
Phys.org - 17 Jul 2014 20:53
(Phys.org) --Nearly all electronics require devices called oscillators that create precise frequencies--frequencies used to keep time in wristwatches or to transmit reliable signals to radios. For nearly 100 years, these...
Physicists Use Computer Models to Reveal Quantum Effects in Biological Oxygen Transport
Phys.org - 17 Jul 2014 20:48
(Phys.org) --Physicists have created a unique combination of computer models, based on the theory of quantum mechanics, and applied them to a previously well characterised protein found in muscle to develop a new picture...
Eating lean beef daily can help lower blood pressure, study suggests
Science Daily - 17 Jul 2014 20:20
Contrary to conventional wisdom, new research suggests that eating lean beef can reduce risk factors for heart disease. The DASH eating plan -- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension -- is currently recommended by the A...
In development, it's all about the timing
Science Daily - 17 Jul 2014 20:20
Closely related organisms share most of their genes, but these similarities belie major differences in behavior, intelligence, and physical appearance. Scientists are beginning to appreciate that the timing of the events...
Exploiting gastric vulnerability
Science Daily - 17 Jul 2014 20:19
Helicobacter pylori infection promotes stomach ulcers and cancer. How H. pylori initially interacts with and irritates gastric tissue is not well understood. A new article now describes that H. pylori rapidly identifies ...
Don't skimp on shades this summer
Science Daily - 17 Jul 2014 20:18
Sunscreen and sunglasses top the list of summertime must-haves for most people. But just as skin can burn on an overcast or chilly day, eyes can sustain damage anytime you're outdoors without sunglasses. Larger frames ma...
Protein-building enzymes have undergone metamorphosis, evolved diverse new functions
Science Daily - 17 Jul 2014 20:18
Ancient enzymes, known for their fundamental role in translating genetic information into proteins, have evolved a myriad of other functions in humans, research shows. The surprising discovery highlights an intriguing od...
'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes': Why Apes Can't Speak Like Humans
Live Science - 17 Jul 2014 20:02
In the movie "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," a brilliant, mutant chimp named Caesar yells "Go!" at a group of humans. His deep, guttural voice startles the people, but even more surprising are his vocalizations.
A new stable and cost-cutting type of perovskite solar cell
Phys.org - 17 Jul 2014 20:00
Perovskite solar cells show tremendous promise in propelling solar power into the marketplace. The cells use a hole-transportation layer, which promotes the efficient movement of electrical current after exposure to sunl...
Ultrafast X-ray laser sheds new light on fundamental ultrafast dynamics
Phys.org - 17 Jul 2014 20:00
Ultrafast X-ray laser research led by Kansas State University has provided scientists with a snapshot of a fundamental molecular phenomenon. The finding sheds new light on microscopic electron motion in molecules.
Fix farms in a few countries and feed 3 billion people
New Scientist - 17 Jul 2014 20:00
A handful of countries and crops account for most of our issues with food production – if we sort them out, we could feed far more mouths