Science & Technology
When Sputnik began orbiting Earth in 1957, it was a lone satellite. Today, there are thousands of satellites and other remnants of space missions -- so much that the term "space junk" has been coined.
A network of mirrors harnessing the destructive power of the sun might save the world from disaster, space experts believe.
If an asteroid should be discovered on a catastrophic collision course with our planet, researchers at Glasgow University say mirrors are the best way to save us from annihilation.
If an asteroid should be discovered on a catastrophic collision course with our planet, researchers at Glasgow University say mirrors are the best way to save us from annihilation.
Thousands of new kinds of marine microbes have been discovered at two deep-sea hydrothermal vents off the Oregon coast by scientists at the MBL (Marine Biological Laboratory) and University of Washington's Joint Institute for the Study of Atmosphere and Ocean.
Their findings, published in the journal Science, are the result of the most comprehensive, comparative study to date of deep-sea microbial communities that are responsible for cycling carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur to help keep Earth habitable.
Their findings, published in the journal Science, are the result of the most comprehensive, comparative study to date of deep-sea microbial communities that are responsible for cycling carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur to help keep Earth habitable.
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| ©NOAA Vents Program, NeMO Seafloor Observatory |
| Image of diffuse flow hydrothermal vent Marker 52 taken in 2006 by the Remotely Operated Vehicle ROPOS during the NeMO 2006 expedition to Axial Seamount. |
Scientists have uncovered thousands of marine microbes -- including never-before-seen bacteria -- thriving deep in the sea near cracks in the Earth's crust where warm fluids and cold sea water mix, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.
Using new DNA sequencing techniques, the researchers have identified as many as 37,000 different kinds of bacteria huddled near two hydrothermal vents on an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast.
Using new DNA sequencing techniques, the researchers have identified as many as 37,000 different kinds of bacteria huddled near two hydrothermal vents on an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast.
When someone feigns sadness they "cry crocodile tears," a phrase that comes from an old myth that the animals cry while eating.
Now, a University of Florida researcher has concluded that crocodiles really do bawl while banqueting - but for physiological reasons rather than rascally reptilian remorse.
Now, a University of Florida researcher has concluded that crocodiles really do bawl while banqueting - but for physiological reasons rather than rascally reptilian remorse.
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| ©Kent Vliet/University of Florida |
| An alligator weeps while eating at the Florida's St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in spring 2006. University of Florida zoologist Kent Vliet shot the photo while observing alligators and caimans at the park in an attempt to determine the truth of the myth that crocodiles cry while eating. Five of the seven animals, close relatives of the crocodile, teared up during meals. Like the one pictured here, some of their tears even bubbled and frothed. |
Russia is to provide the US space agency NASA with instruments for scanning both the Moon and Mars under agreements signed here Wednesday.
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| ©n/a |
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| ©NASA/JPL-Caltech |
| This artist's conception shows a binary-star, or two-star, system, called HD 113766, where astronomers suspect a rocky Earth-like planet is forming around one of the stars. |
A team of scientists on Thursday showed off the first rock samples taken from a borehole being drilled into the mighty San Andreas Fault to better understand how earthquakes are born.
The 4-inch-wide rock cores were pulled earlier this month from two miles beneath a seismically active section of the fault halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The 4-inch-wide rock cores were pulled earlier this month from two miles beneath a seismically active section of the fault halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
If you grow old in Japan, expect to be served food by a robot, ride a voice-recognition wheelchair or even possibly hire a nurse in a robotic suit - all examples of cutting-edge technology to care for the country's rapidly graying population.
With nearly 22 percent of Japan's population already aged 65 or older, businesses here have been rolling out everything from easy-entry cars to remote-controlled beds, fueling a care technology market worth some $1.08 billion in 2006, according to industry figures.
With nearly 22 percent of Japan's population already aged 65 or older, businesses here have been rolling out everything from easy-entry cars to remote-controlled beds, fueling a care technology market worth some $1.08 billion in 2006, according to industry figures.
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| This sensor developed by Iowa State University researchers can detect leaks on spacecraft. |
