Drought can ruin the rainforest’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide
Promoting intellectual discovery through markets; the increasing demands of data-intensive science; more money for science in the stimulus package and U.S. budget; and more.
Using satellite radar data, NASA-funded scientists have observed, for the first time, the healing of subtle, natural surface scars from an earthquake that occurred on a “buried” fault several miles below the surface-a fault whose fractures are not easily observed at Earth’s surface.
Continue reading about Scientists Expose ‘Buried’ Fault That Caused Deadly 2003 Quake In Bam, Iran
Protection against Ebola, one of the world’s deadliest viruses, can be achieved by a vaccine produced in insect cells, raising prospects for developing an effective vaccine for humans, according to new research.
Scientists in Washington state are reporting the surprise discovery of the oldest known sample of reactor-produced bomb-grade plutonium, a historic relic from the infancy of America’s nuclear weapons program. Their research also represents the first demonstration of how radioactive sodium can be used as a tool in nuclear forensics.
Continue reading about Historic Sample Of Bomb-grade Plutonium Discovered
Common sense suggests that extra body weight severely stresses bones and joints. This higher, unprecedented level of obesity in the U.S. has affected the number of total hip replacements, implanted to restore mobility and relieve the chronic pain of hip degeneration.
Continue reading about As Obesity Epidemic Spreads, More Patients Feel It In Their Bones And Joints
Scientists have discovered the mechanisms with which certain types of fungus attacks wood in order to use the cellulose contained within. These results are important for designing processes using wood to produce bioethanol.
Women in strained marriages are more likely to feel depressed and suffer high blood pressure, obesity and other signs of “metabolic syndrome,” a group of risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, psychologists found. The same study found men in strained marriages also are more likely to feel depressed, yet — unlike women — [...]
A researcher has filmed hours of prawn “sex tapes” to find out why prawns bred in captivity did not go on to breed well.
Continue reading about Captive Bred Black Tiger Prawns Lack Lust, ‘Prawnography’ Shows
Satellites orbiting the Earth must occasionally be nudged to stay on the correct path. Scientists are developing a new rocket that could make this and other spacecraft maneuvers much less costly, a consideration of growing importance as more private companies start working in space.