A new study suggests that Istanbul is likely to suffer a major earthquake within the next 30 years. The research estimates a 62% probability of strong shaking near the city, comparable to recent disasters in Izmit and Düzce.
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur fossil with a four-chambered heart, similar to those of birds and mammals. The discovery suggests that the dinosaur was warm-blooded, with a high metabolism, and may have had a more complex circulatory system than previously thought.
The skeleton previously identified as King Philip II has been proven to be one of Alexander's half-brothers, specifically Philip III Arrhidaeus. Researchers used macrophotography and forensic analysis to rule out the original theory, citing normal anatomical features and incorrect reconstruction that led to the mistaken identity.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science is hosting a conference to discuss current ethics codes, societal efforts, and ways to improve them. The conference will analyze survey outcomes and develop a research agenda to enhance collaboration in promoting research integrity.
Researchers have created a device that converts electric signals into optical transmissions at 100 gigabytes per second, eliminating download time and increasing efficiency. The breakthrough technology has the potential to transform fiber optic telecommunications and enable applications such as aircraft navigation and smart cars.
Researchers at 3M have developed a new type of reflective film made from polyester and other polymers that reflects light with great efficiency from all angles. The mirrors created by Dr. Ouderkirk and his team outperform conventional dielectric mirrors, which have limitations in reflecting light at certain angles.
Researchers found that a short-term drug regimen can reverse working memory loss in monkeys treated with antipsychotic medications. The study suggests improved treatment strategies for people with schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, or age-related memory loss.
Scientists have discovered a new fossil snake species, Haasiophis terrasanctus, with advanced anatomy similar to modern boas and pythons. The findings suggest that the evolution of limbs in snakes was more complex than previously thought, possibly representing an evolutionary reversal where advanced snakes regained hindlimbs.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
Researchers found that fruit flies exhibit behavioral and molecular changes similar to those observed in mammals, suggesting they may be capable of sleeping. The study provides new insights into the functions of sleep and could lead to the development of new treatments for human sleep disorders.
A new study reveals that female birds in tropical regions have fewer babies per nesting attempt than those in moderate, northern climates. Researchers found that clutch sizes were smaller for species with higher predation rates, but the data didn't fit the Skutch theory, suggesting other factors may be at play.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have developed a new class of magnetically tunable, shaped ceramics. By adjusting temperature in a pyrolysis chamber, they can create ferromagnetic nanoclusters and tune the material's magnetism. This breakthrough has potential applications in data storage, anti-static coatings, and other fields.
Researchers found that honeybees rely on image motion to monitor flight distances of hundreds of meters in natural environments. Bees were also affected by visual cues such as tunnel decorations and walls, with some patterns amplifying their perception of distance.
Researchers use oxygen isotope fingerprinting to uncover evidence of lost Asian emerald sources in antiquity, tracing gems from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Colombia. The study reveals a significant role for the Spanish in introducing New World emeralds into Old World trade.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded a $10,000 prize to a web site that teaches students the science behind the weather. The 'Web Weather for Kids' site allows children in grades five through eight to predict precipitation and temperatures, with scores compared to those of local meteorologist Mike Nelson.
The 2000 AAAS Annual Meeting will bring together experts from various fields to share research news and discuss key topics such as nanotechnology, genome strategies, and social behavior among primates and humans. The meeting will also feature a special plenary address by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
Kathryn S. Brown has won the prestigious Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for her outstanding contributions as a young science journalist. The judges commended her for presenting complex scientific topics in an engaging and accessible manner, as well as her stylish writing.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honored science writers who tackled complex topics with clarity and coherence. AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognized four award-winning journalists for their outstanding work in large newspaper category winner George Johnson and magazine co-winners Robert Kunzig.
Scientists made significant progress towards controlling human stem cells, which showed promise for treating a range of diseases. Adult stem cells also demonstrated the ability to shed their old identities and adopt new ones, opening up possibilities for important therapies.
Researchers discovered statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, can build new bone and potentially treat osteoporosis. Statin drugs stimulate the production of osteoblasts, specialized cells that create new bone.
Scientists have relieved pain in rats by dispatching molecular 'smart bombs' to selectively destroy certain nerve cells in the spinal cord, targeting faulty signaling by a small group of neurons. This approach targets just those nerve cells that send pain messages to the brain without causing side effects like morphine or surgery.
Victor Velculescu, a cancer researcher, develops SAGE technique to rapidly analyze gene expression in cells. The method provides a snapshot of all active genes and has potential applications in disease research.
Despite rising numbers of female scientists, senior women researchers often experience isolation and frustration due to limited administrative power and respect from colleagues. A 'quiet revolution' is underway at institutions like MIT and Harvard as they address gender discrimination and promote women's careers.
A recent study published in Science found that chimpanzee subspecies are genetically mixed and more diverse than previously thought. The research suggests that the variation in the chimpanzee genome is not due to cultural differences, but rather a result of genetic variation between populations.
Renowned researchers Dr. George H. Denton, Prof. Hartmut Graßl, and Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf will address the effects of climate change on European nations. The event aims to explore possible solutions to mitigate these changes and ensure human survival.
The discovery provides a detailed picture of life during the earliest days of dinosaurs and mammals. The newly found fossils are from the Middle to Late Triassic period, around 230 million years ago, and include two new dinosaurs that appear to be older than previously recorded species.
A 40 million-year-old fossil from Myanmar, Bahinia pondaungensis, sheds light on the origins of anthropoids, a group that includes monkeys and apes. The discovery suggests that these primates may have originated in Asia, rather than Africa, with similarities to tarsiers found in dental anatomy.
The award encourages young science writers by recognizing outstanding reporting and writing in any field of science. The winner will receive $1,000 and expenses to attend the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The discovery of 78 Neanderthal bones at Moula-Guercy suggests that European Neanderthals practiced cannibalism, systematically defleshing and breaking apart the bones to remove marrow and brains. The abundance of natural resources available at the site makes survival-based cannibalism unlikely.
A team of scientists has discovered a new primate genus, Equatorius, which helps reshape the complex evolutionary tree around the time when the ancestor to humans and great apes arose. The research reveals that one species, Kenyapithecus wickeri, is more closely related to this ancestor than previously thought.
Researchers found that soil erosion has been steadily decreasing since the 1930s, with erosion now at a mere 6% of its peak during the Dust Bowl era. The study's findings suggest that conservation efforts are working and watersheds are more intricate than previously thought.
The AAAS study recommends using federal funding for research on human stem cells, including embryonic stem cells already isolated in laboratories. However, the derivation of human stem cells should not receive federal funding due to public anxiety surrounding its process.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is hosting a public forum to gather public comment on stem cell research recommendations. The event will feature a panel discussion with experts from various fields, including science, ethics, and policy.
A study published in Science found that European attitudes towards GM foods are driven by media coverage, with Europeans being more likely to view the technology as menacing or dangerous. In contrast, US citizens showed less skepticism due to higher science literacy and trust in regulatory agencies.
The study highlights the benefits of anonymity, including its value in protecting users who engage in socially unacceptable activities. It recommends balancing regulation with education and public awareness to foster legitimate uses while deterring illegal ones.
Recent dinosaur fossil finds suggest dinosaurs developed new abilities through opportunistic approach, rather than gradual adaptation. The breakup of supercontinent Pangaea led to regional extinctions and replacements by other species, shaping the evolution of new species.
The lecture featured expert discussions on the connections between dinosaurs, Neanderthals, and human evolution. Key findings highlight the importance of studying ancient species to better understand our own ancestry.
A new report outlining alternative funding sources for medical research will be released at a congressional briefing on May 25. The report suggests funding options and models that can be used in conjunction with the current appropriations process to secure sustained, long-term funding for medical research.
Researchers confirm two-mode theory of mathematical thinking, locating it in the brain. Bilingual volunteers show sharp language-dependent lag in exact calculations, but not in estimates. The findings may lead to new teaching methods for children who struggle with numbers.
Scientists have identified a compound that mimics the effects of insulin in mice, offering hope for a pill-based treatment for diabetes. The new substance, L-783,281, is a nonpeptide molecule that can be absorbed through the bloodstream after being swallowed, potentially providing an alternative to insulin injections.
Magnetic patterns on Mars indicate ancient plate tectonics system, with implications for understanding of the planet's topography. The team found evidence of symmetrical mirror-image stripes, similar to those on Earth, which could be remnants of a long-lost plate tectonics system.
Two studies published in Science suggest that parasites, specifically Riberoria trematodes, are responsible for some frog deformities. Laboratory and field experiments found that parasite infections cause mirror-image limb deformities, distinct from the thigh-knee-thigh-knee pattern caused by retinoids.
The discovery of Australopithecus garhi provides crucial information about the evolution of humans, revealing a species that walked on human-like legs and used stone tools to strip meat from bones. The fossils also suggest that this species may have been the immediate predecessor of humans.
A team of researchers has discovered the largest bacteria ever known, Thiomargarita namibiensis, which stores elemental sulfur and nitrate. The finding provides firmer evidence of coupling between the sulfur and nitrogen cycles in the ocean, offering new insights into the environment's recycling processes.
A team of scientists has determined that Acoela flatworms, previously thought to be part of a younger group, are actually the oldest living ancestors to all 'bilateral' animals. This finding implies that bilateral organisms began making their debut on Earth earlier than previously thought.
A team of Canadian scientists identified a potentially useful target for drugs to treat type II diabetes and obesity by genetically engineering mice lacking a specific enzyme. The results showed that these mice resisted weight gain and insulin resistance on a high-calorie diet, suggesting a possible approach for treating the disease.
A 40-kilometer-long fault system has been identified directly under the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which is believed to have caused significant damage in recent earthquakes. The newly mapped 'blind-thrust' fault system stretches from downtown LA to northern Orange County and could potentially generate massive 7.0-magnitude quakes.
Researchers found that Montserrat's volcanic ash contains high concentrations of cristobalite, a mineral linked to lung disease silicosis. The study suggests that living near the volcano poses a health risk, and future studies aim to determine acceptable levels of exposure.
Only four recently published series received high ratings for helping students learn mathematics, while most textbooks were deemed unsatisfactory. Excellent materials require excellent and well-trained teachers to be effective.
Researchers have found that adult stem cells, previously thought to be permanent, can shed their identities and become blood cells. This discovery raises the possibility of using adult stem cells for therapeutic purposes, such as generating healthy blood cells for patients with blood disorders.