Articles tagged with Science History
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
The SwRI-led ISET team will study the origin, evolution, and physical properties of near-Earth asteroids and their moons, aiming to better understand their potential for cost-effective human exploration. The research will also investigate minimoons, small bodies with the potential to provide insights into the history of the Solar System.
Canadian researchers identified key contributors to understanding verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) and its associated illnesses, including Dr. Jack Konowalchuk and Mohamed Karmali's association of VTEC with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The study highlights the significant burden and impact of E. coli-associated infections worldwide.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) has updated the coordinates of historic robotic spacecraft on the Moon, providing valuable information for planning future lunar missions. These updates will aid in the creation of an accurate lunar cartographic network, essential for human and robotic exploration.
A new study from the University of Oregon has found evidence of life on land dating back 2.2 billion years, four times earlier than previously thought. The discovery of ancient fossils in South African soil provides insight into the 'Great Oxidation Event' that marked a significant rise in oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
Researchers have identified a 30km-long fault zone near Istanbul as a potential starting point for a strong earthquake. The area, located just 15-20km from the historic city center, has shown no seismic activity in recent years.
A Stanford-led study suggests that Hawaiian green sea turtles are still far from recovering to their historic levels, with 80% of major nesting sites having disappeared. The research analyzed historical and current data, revealing a significant decline in the population's geographic range and abundance.
The Purdue University R.B. Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry has been recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its 80-plus years of service as a center for education and cutting-edge research. The laboratory, which has educated generations of chemists and chemical engineers, includi...
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a 1,800-year-old 'Rosetta Stone' in tropical ice cores, providing the most complete picture of Earth's low-latitude climate history to date. The cores reveal year-by-year patterns in chemical composition, offering a new tool for studying past climate change.
The human genome sequencing project's experience highlights current challenges in accessing data, particularly in social sciences and personalized medicine. Researchers often withhold data due to competitive advantages or confidentiality agreements, hindering open access.
Researchers from Jena University warn of severe environmental damage in the Antarctic due to human activities such as vehicle tracks and building work. They suggest designating the Fildes Peninsula as an 'Antarctic Specially Managed Area' to reduce conflicting interests and protect the unique flora and fauna.
The editorial discusses the evolution of doping scandals from ancient times to modern-day sports, highlighting the need for continuous innovation in detection methods. Bowers emphasizes the importance of analytical skills, pharmacokinetics, and human physiology in preventing abuse in sport.
A new study by American Sociological Association investigates the rise of the top 1 percent and finds that Republican strength in Congress increases their share of income. The study also reveals a significant link between decreased union membership and higher levels of inequality, as well as a strong effect of financial asset bubbles o...
The famous Galilean thermometer was actually invented by an early scientific society founded by Galileo
The IAU XXVIIIth General Assembly in Beijing, China, has ended after two busy weeks with significant progress on astronomical heritage and new results. New guidelines for filter passbands, a redefined astronomical unit, and an international NEO early warning system were among the key resolutions approved.
Climate scientists repurpose Cold War research laboratories to track radioactivity and model nuclear bomb blasts, with applications in anthropogenic climate change. Nuclear science roots have also found a place in environmental scientists' toolboxes.
New research suggests that short stretches of piRNA evaluate cells' genetic history by recognizing sequences that have been expressed before. The study found that the silencing pattern is permanent and passed stably between generations, with each individual establishing its own pattern.
The Missouri Botanical Garden will support the development of a comprehensive online resource for plant species, improving access and analysis for scientists and conservationists. The $3 million gift from Monsanto Company will fund the garden's contributions to this international endeavor from 2012 to 2015.
Sander van der Leeuw, dean of Arizona State University's School of Sustainability, was recognized as a 'Champion of the Earth' for his work on human-environmental relations and innovation. He emphasized the need to change mindsets and attitudes to make sustainability a core of everyday behavior.
A study by University of Michigan anthropologists finds that religious rituals can foster cooperation among group members, while sacred values can sustain intractable conflicts. However, participation in collective religious ritual can also increase parochial altruism and opposition to compromise.
Scientists from NIAID outline key advances in understanding and combatting infectious diseases, including the development of vaccines to prevent many infections. They also note the ongoing challenge of emerging pathogens, such as HIV, which can have devastating effects on societies.
Chris Austin discovered two new species of frogs in New Guinea, one of which is the smallest known vertebrate, challenging previous thought that extreme body size is associated with aquatic species. The tiny frog Paedophryne amauensis occupies a unique habitat niche in tropical rainforests.
A new field is taking shape, studying scientific thought and behavior, with applications in education and understanding human interest in science. Researchers examine brain correlations, cognitive processes, and developmental aspects of scientific inquiry.
A recent study published in Science found that tropical forests' variability is attributed to historical and geological processes rather than current ecology. The research team collected data at sites worldwide, revealing similarities in biodiversity patterns between tropical rainforests and temperate regions.
A study of over 100 popular websites found that three-quarters directly leak private information and unique identifiers to third-party tracking sites. The leaked data can be used to create detailed profiles of individuals, including browsing histories and search terms.
Researchers from Jena and Prague reveal that four scientists 'rediscovered' Mendel's laws in 1900: Hugo de Vries, Carl Correns, Erich von Tschermak-Seysenegg, and Armin von Tschermak-Seysenegg. New correspondence has corrected the traditional view of genetics' early history.
The ENERCA network has published a series of recommendations for disease management and prevention of complications in children with sickle cell disease. The guidelines recommend universal neonatal screening, prophylaxis with penicillin, and transcranial Doppler scanning to prevent infections and strokes.
The study identifies three periods of rapid evolution in the fly family tree, with mosquito, March fly, and common house fly branches emerging around 220, 175, and 50 million years ago. This research provides a framework for future comparative work on species critical to society and science.
A majority of survey respondents identify as biracial but pass as black in certain situations. The phenomenon suggests a changing culture around race relations in the US, with blackness becoming less stigmatized.
This biography provides fresh insights into Teller's motivations, relationships, and driven personality, drawing from archival material and interviews with prominent figures. It offers a nuanced understanding of the complex scientist behind the 'Father of the H-Bomb' label.
The Kavli Prize Science Forum brings together influential science policy figures to discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The event aims to facilitate high-level discussion on major topics in science and science policy, with a focus on balancing cooperation and competition.
Researchers are rethinking the ocean conveyor belt model due to its limitations in accounting for eddies and wind field. The overturning of ocean waters may vary between ocean basins and be influenced by climate change, highlighting the need for a revised understanding of this critical process.
A collaborative effort has resulted in a comprehensive Primate Life History Database containing life history data from long-term field studies of seven species of lemurs, monkeys, and apes. The database facilitates comparative analyses of primate evolution and ecology.
A new book by NASA climatologist Claire Parkinson examines the coming climate crisis, drawing on 4.6 billion years of Earth's climate history. The book highlights the limitations of computer models and warns of unintended consequences of geoengineering, instead advocating for alternative approaches to reduce climate change.
A recent analysis found a substantial and sustained net loss of forest cover in the eastern United States, with a 4.1 percent decline over three decades. The study attributed the decline mainly to mechanical disturbance for timber production and urban expansion.
A new study suggests that cooperation in large societies is partly dependent on historical forces like religious beliefs and market transactions. The extent of punishment used to enforce norms increases and decreases with the number of people in the society.
Researchers linked malaria and bone abnormalities to King Tut's death through DNA analysis and genetic testing. The study also revealed a possible familial relationship between Tutankhamun and other royal mummies.
Scientists reconstructed New Zealand's geological history using the first complete genetic history of the moa, revealing a history of marine barriers, mountain building, and glacial cycles over millions of years. The study also suggests that many iconic species evolved solely on the South Island.
A recent study published in HortScience has confirmed that a high diversity of historic apple genotypes remains in homestead orchards in the US Southwest. The research identified 144 genotypes, including 34 cultivars brought to the region by Stark Brothers Nursery and USDA agricultural experiment stations.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing new computer algorithms to aid historical document research globally. The project combines humanities and computer science expertise to advance scholarship in Jewish liturgical texts and Arabic historical texts.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that historically based blockbuster movies can be a double-edged sword when it comes to helping students learn and retain information. When film clips were consistent with textbook material, correct recall increased by 50%, but misinformation from the film led to false recall...
Researchers found water ice on Mars with temperatures similar to those on Earth, suggesting past liquid water and potential life. The Phoenix mission revealed subsurface ice and weather patterns comparable to those on our planet.
The Phoenix Mars Mission provided new details about Mars' water history, including patterns in the ground near the landing site and surprising findings of perchlorate. Researchers discovered ice at varying depths and observed daily weather changes, revealing clues to Martian soil chemistry.
The vaccine-autism debate persists despite scientific consensus, fueled by internet misinformation and declining public trust. Pediatrician Paul Offit's efforts to set the record straight have been hindered by celebrity anti-vaccine advocates like Jenny McCarthy.
Researchers found that historically-defined autobiographical periods exist, but their formation depends on the intensity and novelty of public events. Public events like wars and natural disasters can categorize personal memories as 'emotionally charged' or 'epoch-defining', causing them to become entwined with history.
Computer simulations and ancient magnetism reveal that mantle plumes can move beneath the Earth's crust, contradicting the long-held theory of fixed hotspots. The research suggests that a plume may have bent nearly 1,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean, with its top moving over 19 degrees north latitude.
Sandra Faber is being honored for her extraordinary advances in understanding the properties of distant galaxies, dark matter, large-scale structure, and black holes. Her innovative leadership has driven significant discoveries in modern cosmology, including the role of dark matter in galaxy formation.
A new University of California, Berkeley web site called Understanding Science clarifies what science is and how it works, showcasing its creative and unpredictable nature. The site provides a Science Checklist to determine the level of scientific activity in various activities.
A balance between large research groups and individual scientists is optimal for success, according to a novel theory by Adrian Bejan. Successful research groups grow naturally and contribute to the whole, while solitary thinkers have flourished throughout history due to science being good for society.
Reagan's presidency is assessed under eight headings of public concern: welfare state, taxation, national security, the presidency, personnel, party politics, political leadership, and the person. Despite his impact on tax rates and national security, Reagan's legacy is complicated by concerns over big government and executive power.
A special issue of International Journal of Forecasting explores various election forecasting models, including those using political futures markets and historical analysis. Researchers discuss the importance of campaign effects and the limitations of predicting outcomes without an incumbent candidate.
A new study by NC State University archaeologist Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick reveals that Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe was likely aided by unusual weather conditions, including an El Niño event. This led Magellan to sail far north of the Spice Islands and miss his intended destination.
A leading neuroscientist is exploring the neural basis of creativity, beauty and love through an interdisciplinary research program funded by the Wellcome Trust. The study aims to understand how beauty and love relate and what it means to be happy, with potential implications for fields like economics and jurisprudence.
NASA's CRISM instrument provides critical data for selecting a Mars rover landing site with a mineral record indicative of past water. The instrument offers 544 spectral variations to detect minerals, mapping the Martian surface in unprecedented detail.
Researchers discovered that ancient Greek craftsmen were able to build precise devices like the balance and catapult without understanding mathematical theory. This finding highlights the importance of practical know-how in scientific development and challenges the assumption that theoretical knowledge is essential for innovation.
The 'Focus: Science and Law' section in Isis explores the intersection of science and law, examining how courts shape scientific theories and practices. Scholars discuss topics such as intellectual property legislation, witness testimony verification, and the commercialization of research.
A study published in Neurology found that middle-aged individuals with a history of migraine and other headaches are more likely to develop retinopathy, which can lead to severe vision problems or blindness. The association was strongest among those with migraine headaches and aura.
The APS 19th Annual Convention examines how scientific investigations can lead to stigmatization of certain populations. Panelists discuss historical examples of 'stigma from science' in studies of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and culture.
A scientific consensus on the link between smoking and lung cancer emerged in the mid-1950s, but tobacco industry efforts to sow doubt and delay regulation persisted. Proctor's research shows that consumer letters and phone logs reveal widespread ignorance about tobacco's health risks.
Chris Austin, an LSU molecular genetics lab expert, discovered a new lizard species in Borneo through extensive field research and DNA analysis. The species was confirmed by comparing its genetic variations with closely related species.
A team of archaeologists has uncovered a previously unknown system of writing on a stone block in Veracruz, Mexico, believed to be the earliest in the New World. The Cascajal block dates back to around 900 BCE and features a distinct script with poetic couplets, challenging existing knowledge of Mesoamerican civilization.