Friday, 25 May, 2012

Oils in spent coffee grounds are easily converted into biodiesel — a renewable source of transportation energy. Bottoms up for CofFuel?

What does science tell us about dealing with money? Can thinking about money change your behavior? How do monkeys gamble? Is ‘homo economicus’ truly rational? Do some people thrive on financial risks?

Plug-in hybrids mean more than just extra spending cash for drivers, though. They could offer a new path through the maze of the electric grid, and help to boost the use of alternative energy.

Greenland’s icecap holds enough water to raise sea level by 7 meters. Some studies show it sliding faster into the sea. Should we worry? New report says “We don’t know.” Comforting?

The American population is getting older, and it’s getting bigger. As nurses and doctors start to retire in big numbers, who will care for us when we go gray?

Coal ash is a giant garbage problem. Should we recycle more ash into concrete? A new process might save cement, rock, and landfill space.

Test shows horrific math performance by U.S. students. What do mathematicians and educators say about teaching math? Are we near a resolution of the math wars? Is there one optimal way to teach math?

Museum returns a priceless classic vase to Italy. What’s at the root of obtaining ancient loot? Where should we draw the line? Does it make sense for big museums to keep artifacts, or should it all go back to source countries?

The Why Files looks at kinesiology, sports medicine, psychology and some ancient Olympic history, brought to life.

Who invented writing in the New World? New find in Guatemala may give credit to the Mayans, even though this is probably not the first Mayan writing.