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Science

Saturday

Science Out Of The Box

Apple Grower Goes Hog-Wild in Battle Against Bugs

At a farm near Flint, Mich., European Berkshire pigs are being used to eat up ground-fall apples from the orchard. Many of the apples are infested with a bug called the plum curculio, which is among the most destructive insect to apple growers.

Apple Grower Goes Hog-Wild in Battle Against Bugs

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Friday

Research News

Ancient Hair Reveals Greenland Eskimos' Roots

A 3,000-year-old clump of human hair found frozen in Greenland may have solved a scientific mystery: Where did ancient Eskimos come from, and where did they all go?

Ancient Hair Reveals Greenland Eskimos' Roots

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Space

NASA 'Gravity Probe B' Project Winds Down

NASA researchers spent nearly 40 years on Gravity Probe B, a satellite designed to test some of Albert Einstein's theories. As the $700 million project winds down, NASA is rejecting a request for another 18 months of funding.

NASA 'Gravity Probe B' Project Winds Down

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Environment

Senate Girds for Debate on Carbon Cap Bill

The Senate is beginning debate on a bill that would put a national cap on greenhouse gases. But some say this would make the U.S. less competitive on the global market.

Senate Girds for Debate on Carbon Cap Bill

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Research News

Monkeys Control Robotic Arm Just by Thinking

Monkeys were able to use the arm to perform tasks such as feeding themselves — and, the researchers say, the monkeys appear to regard the robotic device as part of their own bodies. What could this research mean for human prosthetics?

Monkeys Control Robotic Arm Just by Thinking

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Research News

Organism Captures and Assimilates Foreign DNA

Small freshwater invertebrates known as rotifers have the uncanny ability to capture bits of DNA from other organisms and assimilate that genetic code. Researchers writing this week in the journal Science report that the genome of one class of rotifers can include DNA from bacteria, fungi, and even plants.

Organism Captures and Assimilates Foreign DNA

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A Meeting of the Minds at the World Science Festival

Great science minds from around the world are converging on New York City this week for the five-day World Science Festival. Brian Greene, co-founder of the festival, discusses the purpose of the event and what the organizers hope to achieve.

A Meeting of the Minds at the World Science Festival

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Environment

Navajo Nation Pushes for Uranium Cleanup

Despite the lure of potentially big money, the Navajo Nation has banned uranium mining on its reservation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. In part, the decision reflects deep Navajo concerns about how past mining activities have damaged health and the environment.

Navajo Nation Pushes for Uranium Cleanup

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Thursday

Environment

Report Documents Effects of Climate Change in U.S.

A new report published by the federal government states that climate change is already affecting U.S. water resources, agriculture, land resources and biodiversity. Some forests are seeing more fires and insect infestations. Water use is on the rise, and invasive weeds are spreading.

Report Documents Effects of Climate Change in U.S.

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National

FEMA Trailer Supplier Reacts to Health Threat

At the Ohio factory that made "Emergency Living Units" for Hurricane Katrina survivors, workers and company officials talk about dealing with formaldehyde. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want all residents of FEMA-issued trailers to move out, citing fear of toxic fumes.

FEMA Trailer Supplier Reacts to Health Threat

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Environment

'Green' Genetic Plant Claims Draw Skeptics

A biotech company says it has created genetically engineered canola and rice plants that need only half as much nitrogen fertilizer. But some environmentalists don't think that any genetically engineered crops can really be "green."

'Green' Genetic Plant Claims Draw Skeptics

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Space

Space Toilet Awaits Repair Mission

The crew of the international space station is struggling with a broken toilet on the eve of a visit from the space shuttle. But the seven-person shuttle crew will bring spare parts and the promise of repairs.

Space Toilet Awaits Repair Mission

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So, What Is 'Lotus Therapy,' Anyway?

New York Times reporter Ben Carey discusses the use of mindfulness meditation in therapy. In a recent article, he calls it "perhaps the most popular new psychotherapy technique of the past decade."

So, What Is 'Lotus Therapy,' Anyway?

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