Thursday, 9 February, 2012

Most adhesives can’t be reused. But a radical new design, based on the foot of frogs, lizards and insects, shows how engineers can learn from nature to make smarter materials.

30 years ago, a legendary biochemist said vitamin C could cure cancer. Har, har, said the scientific establishment. Now a mouse study shows C fighting two cancers. Did brilliant scientist and peace activist Linus Pauling get it right?

Do GM crops work as advertised? Do they kill only pest insects? Do they keep their modified genes to themselves? Or are they a hazard to the environment? Read the GM crop 10-year checkup.

Was wheat tamed in 200 years or less? New information on the origin of agriculture in the Middle East shows the process may have taken millennia…

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?

Want to watch a pill dissolve? The virtual stomach may be your best bet yet!

Anthrax receptor found, could lead to new, non-antibiotic treatment.

How accurate is DNA fingerprinting, and how does it work? What are the standards for a solid identification?

Disabling a gene doubles the lifespan of a fruit fly — may act like caloric restriction.

Birdsong: Inspiration for Mozart? The chorus of frogs. Playing an ancient flute