Archives: Newsweek
Mars’ Moon Has an Electrical Charge
Mars’ larger moon Phobos isn’t nearly as glamorous as the red planet itself—but scientists had hoped the “potato shape” moon could ease the way to putting humans on Mars. According to a recent paper published in the journal Advances in Space Research, we may not be so lucky.
New natural selection
Scientists are altering our genetic code and engineering new forms of material that improve nature, from flowers that can detect bombs Scientists are altering our genetic code and engineering new forms of material that improve nature, from flowers that can detect bombs to bacteria that secretes fuel.to bacteria that secretes fuel.
A cure for gry hair – and vitiligo – appears to work in mouse studies
New research has identified a potential way to reverse graying hair and treat skin pigment disorders. By studying stem cells in mice, scientists have found the molecular pathways responsible for creating the color of skin and hair.
Pig Heart in Baboon Paves Way for Animal-to-Human Organ Transplants
Researchers have successfully kept a pig’s heart alive inside a baboon for more than two years, paving the way for animal-to-human organ transplants.
Octopuses more social than thought
The octopuses sometimes wrestle after they display to one another.
Cocaine causes brain cells to cannibalize themselves
Nearly everyone is well aware of the detrimental effects high doses of cocaine can have on the central nervous system. However, most people would never think the way the damage occurs is like something out of a Hollywood horror film.
Being a Woman Affects How You Feel About Climate Change. So Does Being Catholic
Pew asked 45,435 adults in 40 countries how they felt about climate change.
Mushrooms Can Make It Rain
They taste great in soup and can get you high if you eat the wrong ones. Now, scientists have discovered an unexpected function the humble mushroom—their spores can play a role in stimulating rainfall.
48 Million Year-Old Horse Fetus Helps to Trace Evolution of Species
The reproductive system of horses has barely changed at all over the last 48 million years, according to a new study which analyzed the oldest-known fossil of a fetus belonging to a distant horse ancestor.
The Dirty Truth About ‘Organic’ Produce
Passionate advocates of organic farming and foods resemble members of a religious cult, one founded on a “back to Nature” mentality. They are not so fundamentalist, however, that they do not make concessions to reality.
For example, organic standards arbitrarily define which pesticides are acceptable but allow “deviations” if based on “need.” Synthetic chemical pesticides are generally prohibited, although there is a lengthy list of exceptions in the Organic Foods Production Act, while most “natural” ones are permitted (and the application of pathogen-laden animal excreta as fertilizer is allowed). The decisions are made in a murky process that combines agronomy, lobbying and fundamentalism.