Ancient water = ancient habitat?
Pools of water in a Canadian mine are 1+ billion years old!
Geologic dating shows that water has been trapped more than 2 kilometers underground since before the Cambrian explosion. This water contains chemicals that support bacteria in other places. Could the deep biosphere contain relics of the most primitive life? Could such life exist on Mars? More »
A new iron age?
Making iron and steel without so much greenhouse pollution
Smelters refine aluminum ore, but not iron ore, with electricity. A new electrolytic process for refining iron ore could save vast amounts of greenhouse gases. More »
Science Teachers: Hip yourself to a great resource!
Teaching the science standards? Looking for extra-credit projects?
In praise of the lowly apple
Common fruit lowers cholesterol, inflammatory proteins
Among foodies, apples lack the "healthy-tasty" cachet of acai berries or pomegranates. But in a year-long study, apples produced major benefits in cholesterol and inflammation. After eating 75 grams of dry apple a day, the women even lost three pounds. Is there something not to love about apples? More »
In The News
Oklahoma tornado disaster!
Tornadoes need wet air, dry air, and wind shear. What explains the big improvement in tornado prediction? Is climate change boosting these storms?
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97% of science studies say warming due to human activity, says Guardian (U.K.)
Was the epic 2011 heat wave in Texas due to global warming or natural variation?
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Chicago sinkhole injures 1, swallows 3 cars!
What are sinkholes, and how dangerous are they? Can we detect and prevent them? Should you be asking more questions about the ground we're standing on?
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Really it's Richie! Disgraced king laid out in a parking lot!
British archeologists unearthed bones of Richard III, who died in 1485 after a murderous reign. How do bones, isotopes, historic records, DNA and grave goods tell us about the dead?
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"Fecal replacement therapy" helps cure persistent GI infections!
Three gross "biotherapies": Leeches suck blood after surgery. Maggots clear dead tissue from wounds. Parasitic worms fight ulcerative colitis.
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