Most people associate earthquakes with damage on the Earth's surface, and are unaware of other rumblings deep within the Earth that don't propagate to the surface. However, seismometers (and seismologists) regularly take note of these deep tremors in order to study propagation mechanisms and improve earthquake prediction and warning capabilities. The journal Geophysical Research Letters recently published...... Read More
Most of us think of the technology used in space science as being primarily used for space exploration and monitoring. However, the growth in technology has allowed the capability of crossing over lines into other areas of science, and in consumer and commercial use. The 3D One camera is one example where a piece of equipment developed for one use has proven to be beneficial for use in multiple applications,...... Read More
The human brain stands out from that of all other species by facilitating cognitive tasks that other species are not able to achieve. The human brain weighs about three pounds -- a gigantic size relative to the body. Scientists have long believed that the large size of the human brain and our powerful minds are closely connected. Based on fossils found of ancient ancestors, there was a huge increase...... Read More
Parents of children with allergies are familiar with the routine cleanings and keeping potential allergens away, including the family pet. It turns out that the family dog that carries dust from outdoors into the home may actually benefit babies. New research suggests that the dust that comes in with the dog can impart immune protection to infants. A study performed on mice showed that microbes in...... Read More
Most people are already aware that men drink more than women. The results of a new study indicate that differences in the way men and women respond to stress may be the reason for the discrepancy. The findings were published in Science News and a number of other science articles after the original report in the December 11 issue of Addiction. Researchers studied men and women in a situation where...... Read More
When most of us think about potential science jobs that may hold promise as a career choice, glass blower isnât typically one of the first areas that comes to mind. However, an article in New Scientist explains the important role that scientific glass-blowers play in the overall scheme of things. The story focuses on Stephen Ramsey, the scientific glass-blower at Imperial College London, who is...... Read More
Scientists have made a discovery that could increase the amount of hydrogen available to use as clean fuel. By increasing the speed at which the natural process takes place to form hydrogen in rocks deep below the surface of the Earth, hydrogen may be more widely available to use as a clean fuel resource. Hydrogen is currently being used in rockets and in battery-like fuel cells while research is being...... Read More
Although it has become common practice these days for women to have an elective, early-term delivery in lieu of waiting on the natural labor process, the choice can mean increasing complications instead of alleviating them. In spite of the aches, pains and other symptoms that cause discomfort during the last part of pregnancy, speeding up the delivery to relieve symptoms can cause complications to...... Read More
The concern of those who have loved ones in a vegetative state have long been troubled by the lack of evidence that they are able to hear them or recognize that they are not alone. A vegetative state is one in which patients are awake and breathing without the aid of a ventilator, and they give the appearance of going in and out of sleep. They do not respond to any type of stimulus around them and...... Read More
Until a recent discovery, a gap has existed in human evolution. The distinctive hand anatomy of humans is what allows them to make and use tools of which apes and other nonhuman primates are incapable. The question for scientists has always been âAt what point in time did these features first appear during human evolution?â Now, a researcher from the University of Missouri, along with her team...... Read More