* One universe or many? A panel debates:
Physicists brawled over a question that's nearly 
unanswerable, yet somehow very alive in science 
today.

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/060330_multiversefrm.htm


* Brain found to mature faster in highest-IQ kids:
The thinking part of the brain thickens and thins 
faster in high-intelligence youth as they grow, 
researchers say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060329_brainiqfrm.htm


* Evolutionary principles used to predict cancer:
Like a diverse ecosystem, a tumor with highly 
diverse cells will evolve more quickly -- to cancer, 
a study has found.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060329_evocancerfrm.htm


* Loneliness linked to health risk:
U.S. health officials say they're seeking ways to 
ease loneliness nationwide, as a study has tied it 
to to high blood pressure and other health risks.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060329_lonelyfrm.htm


* Science in images:
What does our planet look like during a solar 
eclipse? A photo from the International Space
Station tells us.

http://www.world-science.net

* "Missing link" walking-fish fossils awe 
scientists:
Paleontologists say a newly discovered organism 
could become an evolutionary icon.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060405_tiktaalikfrm.htm


* Scientists rebuild bladders in lab:
Researchers report for the first time successfully 
rebuilding complex organs using lab-cultivated 
tissue.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060403_bladderfrm.htm


* Saturn "moonlets" suggest smashup created rings, 
study finds:
Researchers also say there's growing evidence of 
parallels between ring formation and planet 
formation.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060331_moonletfrm.htm


* People often don't recognize their obesity:
Obese people tend to know their own weight, but 
they don't realize it constitutes obesity, scientists report.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060404_obesefrm.htm


* Study: Insects contribute $57 billion to U.S. 
economy
The low-end estimate highlights what insects provide
through pollination, pest control and other 
services, researchers say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060403_insectfrm.htm


* Ocean "dead zones" cause fish sex changes, 
scientists say:
Pollution-induced lack of oxygen in parts of the 
oceans could lead to sex changes that threaten fish 
with extinction, according to a study.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060331_deadzonefrm.htm

* Premature babies feel pain -- but fetuses don't, 
reports say:
Two new papers shed light on some of the latest 
thinking on a charged question: whether the unborn 
feel pain.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060414_babyfrm.htm


* Giant black holes to collide, astronomers claim:
Two distant "supermassive" black holes are believed 
to be spiraling into each other, and to a violent 
union.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060406_mergefrm.htm


* Drug trial disaster prompts call for new 
procedures:
A medical journal has called for changing approval 
processes for early-stage drug trials in the U.K.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060413_trialfrm.htm


* Newly authenticated, ancient text claims Judas was 
no traitor:
Researchers unveiled an ancient Christian manuscript 
that was called heretical in its own time.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060406_codexfrm.htm


* Evidence of stone-age dentistry reported:
Teeth as old as 9,000 years betray prehistoric trips 
to the dentist, anthropologists say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060405_dentistfrm.htm


* Jesus walked on ice, researcher says:
A scientist has offered a provocative new account of 
the biblical tale that Jesus walked on water.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060405_jesusfrm.htm

* Wall of galaxies tugs on us, astronomers find:
Researchers say they're closing in on an 
understanding of the long-sought "Great Attractor."

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/060419_attractorfrm.htm


* Frigid lakes not the "life labs" they were 
thought to be?:
Antarctic lakes locked under ice were thought to be 
totally isolated, and thus to house exotic life 
forms. Maybe not.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060419_lakesfrm.htm


* Huge dinosaur may have hunted in "packs":
A newly described beast rivaling T. rex in size may 
shed light on the social side of dinosaurs, 
scientists say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060418_dinopackfrm.htm


* "Mediterranean" diet linked to lower Alzheimer's risk:
A study tied fruit- and vegetable-rich diets to 
lower Alzheimer's disease rates among Americans.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060417_meddietfrm.htm


* "Crying" walrus pups may be orphaned thanks to 
global warming:
Melting ocean ice may be leaving walrus pups 
stranded, according to researchers.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060416_walrusfrm.htm

* Birds grasp key rule of grammar, study finds:
The European starling has an unsuspected ability to 
pick up "human-only" language skills, researchers 
suggest.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060426_starlingfrm.htm


* Order from chaos:
One of nature's deepest puzzles is illustrated by 
some surprisingly common events in which disorder, 
inexplicably, produces its opposite.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060426_chaosfrm.htm


* Face transplant patient said to be healing:
The world's second face transplant, performed in 
China, has been a success so far, Chinese media 
reported.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060426_facefrm.htm


* Brain cells that track values of objects:
Researchers say they may have found some brain cells 
that participate in our purchasing choices.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060424_brainfrm.htm


* Gene found in disease that turns victims to 
"statues":
Scientists are unraveling secrets of a devastating 
condition that turns muscle to bone.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060424_fopfrm.htm


* Evidence of pyramid reported in Bosnia:
Archaeologists have unearthed stone slabs that they 
say could be part of an ancient pyramid buried under 
a tall hill.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060420_pyramidfrm.htm


* CORRECTION
To "Wall of galaxies tugs on ours" (April 19)
http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/060419_attractorfrm.htm

The "Great Attractor" is believed to be pulling tens 
of thousands of galaxies toward itself, not millions 
as originally stated.

* Dolphins may "name" themselves, study finds:
Some dolphin whistles appear to convey 
information revealing their identity, 
scientists claim.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060508_dolphinfrm.htm


* Ultra-fast light pulses capture subatomic 
world:
Researchers say they have used some of the 
shortest pulses of laser light ever produced 
to better understand electrons.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060508_pulsefrm.htm


* Genetic variant associated with prostate 
cancer found:

The first major genetic risk factor for prostate
cancer in the general population is revealed in a
new study, according to scientists.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060507_prostatefrm.htm

* Researchers trace origin of an "altruism gene":
Probing an evolutionary mystery, scientists say they 
have penned the first history of a gene for 
cooperation.

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/060529_altruism.htm


* Machine might detect "dark matter":
A device due to switch on next year might detect the 
enigmatic substance that pervades all galaxies, 
physicists say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060528_darkmatter.htm


* Humanoid robot is a crowd-pleaser:
Korean researchers have presented an "android" that 
can simulate four emotions and knows 400 words.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060525_android.htm


* Invisibility cloaks near?:
Scientists have published equations showing how the 
science-fiction devices could work.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060525_invisible.htm



********************************

NOW, EASIER PRINTING!

Starting with stories in this issue, printing World
Science articles is no longer a hassle. Just hit 
Ctrl-P or the print button, as with most other 
documents. The printout will appear black-on-white, 
avoiding ink wastage.

* Oldest known beads reported found:
The finding may change scientists' views of how
human culture emerged, researchers claim.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060622_beads.htm


* Earth hottest in 400 years, report says:
A report drafted by request of U.S. Congress paints
a stark picture of global warming.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060622_tempreport.htm


* Plant has sex with itself:
Many plants can fertilize themselves, but biologists
in China say they've found one that takes things a
step further.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060621_flower.htm


* Arrests lead to "origins" of Western painting:
Authorities say a newfound, ancient tomb highlights
the need to protect Italy's vulnerable heritage.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060616_paintings.htm


* SCIENCE IN IMAGES: 
See homepage www.world-science.net

(1) Crystal warp: A fluid known as a liquid crystal
forms psychedelic patterns when it is quickly
cooled. Some physicists have proposed analogies
between this process and the structure of the 
universe.

http://www.world-science.net

(2) "New century of thirst" foreseen for world's
mountains: a scrollable chart shows how global
warming could change mountains throughout the
world by melting their snow.

http://www.world-science.net

* Call for proposals to help save Earth:
A group is offering grants to amateur and
professional astronomers to help find errant
asteroids.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060728_grants.htm


* Lowly graphite stirs new excitement:
Graphite, the common material used in pencils, can
behave in surprising ways, researchers have found.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060724_graphene.htm


* Diet changes may not help fight cancer, studies
find:
New research suggests healthy diets have limited
benefits in cancer treatment.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060718_diet.htm


* Ancient "apartheid" leaves modern imprint:
Genetic evidence reveals a system of official
discrimination in ancient England, scientists 
claim.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060719_apartheid.htm


* Animals teach pups with surprising skill,
researchers say:
Meerkats instruct and encourage their young in
food-catching, according to a study.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060715_meerkat.htm

* "Toxic environment" making kids fat, study claims:
Unhealthy, addictive food is behind today's obesity
epidemic, a scientist says.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060811_toxicdiet.htm


* New robot rolls on ball:
A newly built robot balances and moves on a metal
ball instead of legs or wheels.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060809_ballbot.htm


* No black holes after all?:
One of the universe's brightest and furthest known
objects might not be a black hole as traditionally
thought, a study suggests.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060811_quasar.htm


* Human-animal mixing going too far, report says:
An organization is warning that the creation of
fused organisms raises grave ethical questions.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060808_chimera.htm


* Driverless cars to unclog traffic:
Authorities in Europe are pushing a plan to ease
traffic and pollution through automated vehicles.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060809_cybercar.htm

* Bird attacks a force in human
evolution?:
Prehistoric raptors may have routinely
targeted our ancestors for meals, scientists
say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060829_raptors.htm


* A trip to cannibal country:
A journalist ventures into one of the last places on
Earth where humans eat each other, and like it.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060828_cannibal.htm


* Pluto no longer a planet:
A newly adopted definition of "planet" shuts out a
longtime member of the planetary club.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060824_planet.htm


* Researchers create permanently "happy" mice:
A breed of permanently "cheerful" mice is providing
hope for depression treatment, scientists report.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060824_happymice.htm


* New stem cell technique would avoid killing
embryos:
Scientists say they've managed to grow human
embryonic stem cells without destroying embryos.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060823_embryo.htm


* Jilted dogs feel intense jealousy, study finds:
New research challenges long-held scientific beliefs
about animal emotions.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060822_jealousdog.htm


* Ants' Olympic jumps caught on tape:
New high-speed videoclips show how certain ants
manage to jump 40 times their own length.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060821_antjump.htm


********************************
NEW: THE WORLD SCIENCE BLOG!

Readers' comments and letters are now posted at
The World Science Blog. Check it out at
http://world-science-blog.blogspot.com.

---------------------------------------------------
Special Issue: PLANETS

* Livable worlds abound, simulations find:
Computer studies indicate Earth-like planets, warm
and wet enough for life, should be plentiful.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060906_planets.htm


* Lost planet, or vastest system?:
A planet thought to drift alone may instead help
form the widest known planetary system, scientists
say.

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/060901_loneplanet.htm


* Protest over new planet definition:
More than 300 scientists have signed a petition
protesting a redefinition of "planet."

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060905_planet-protest.htm
---------------------------------------------------
More news:

* Invisible 9/11 victims: the unborn
Stress over the 2001 attacks apparently triggered
hundreds of miscarriages if not more, studies have
found.

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/060901_911.htm


* Gene fights cancer by aging us, studies find:
Biologists say they've found a gene that protects
against cancer by suppressing cell division --
making us age faster.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060906_cancer-life.htm


* Most dinosaurs still unaccounted for, study
finds:
Researchers say 71 percent of dinosaur types have
yet to be discovered.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060905_dinosaur.htm


* NASA awards contract for moon craft:
Lockheed Martin Corp. won a contract to build a
manned spaceship.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060831_orion.htm


***************************************************

Readers sound off on dark matter, planet definitions,
human-animal mixtures and more at the World 
Science blog!

This forum for reader letters and comments is at
http://world-science-blog.blogspot.com.
Check it out.

Invite your friends to join World Science for free! 
Just click here to open an invitation email that you can 
send your friend or colleagues. Feel free to change the 
text of the invitation (although you might want to leave 
the subscription instructions unchanged.)

* Green tea may save lives, researchers say:
A Japanese study links the beverage to lower death
rates.

http://www.world-science.net/index-test.htm


* Baby bugs team up for sex scam:
The moment they're born, beetles of one species join
forces for a curious drill.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060911_sex-beetle.htm


* "Vegetative" patient can think, study suggests:
Brain imaging peers into the inner lives of people
thought to be totally unresponsive.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060911_vegetative.htm


* Eye photos might deter crime, police say following research:
An unusual experiment is the inspiration for a new
police campaign.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060907_eyes.htm


* Paintings really can be "heard," scientist says:
It seems the artist Kandinsky wasn't talking
nonsense when he said his pictures could be heard.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060907_synaesthesia.htm


***************************************************

Invite friends to join World Science for free!
Just click here to open an invitation email that you can 
send your friend or colleagues. Feel free to change the 
text of the invitation (although you might want to leave 
the subscription instructions unchanged.)

* Cleansing nuclear fallout from the body:
A U.S. government scientist envisions purging the
body of fallout with a compound from crab shells.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/061113_chitosan.htm


* Gay men likelier to gamble addictively, study
suggests:
A small study may fuel a charged debate over why
homosexuals, as growing evidence suggests, suffer
addictions unusually often.

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/061109_gambling.htm


* Saturn moon found to resemble Earth at life’s birth:
Hazy skies on early Earth, similar to those on
Saturn’s moon Titan, could have provided the
ingredients for life, chemists say.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/061106_titan.htm


* Mystery of sudden infant deaths may be solved:
researchers
"Sudden infant death syndrome" results from
abnormalities in the brain stem, a primitive brain
region, a study suggests.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/061108_sids.htm


* Testosterone levels dropping, research finds:
Scientists cited a "substantial," unexplained drop
in American men's testosterone levels in the past
two decades.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/061104_testosterone.htm


MORE STORIES and Science in Images at the homepage:
http://www.world-science.net


***************************************************

Invite friends to join World Science for free!
Just click here to open an invitation email that you can 
send your friend or colleagues. Feel free to change the 
text of the invitation (although you might want to leave 
the subscription instructions unchanged.)