Today in Science

Cancer

Panel recommends cervical cancer vaccination for girls as young as 11, some conservative groups oppose the recommendation. Reuters, WP, NYT, CBC, LAT, AP, AP


Space

Shuttle cleared for important launch tomorrow. Reuters, CSM, NG


Stem Cells

The Senate will (probably) vote on stem cell funding next month. (It has been a while since I have shown this so enjoy.) Reuters, WP, AP, AP


Animals

Ants have an “internal pedometer” to remember distances. BBC, LiveScience.com, ScienceNOW, NG

Experiments show empathy in mice. CBC


Health

It has come to this: toys may be made heavier to help children burn more calories. (But what happens when these super-strong children rise up against us?) AP, AP

New York City may raise smoking age to 21. AP, AP

Complete fraud who wrote a book about “natural cures” writes another book full of bull$#!#. AP, AP


Climate Change/Alternative Energy

Did climate change fuel the recent East coast storms? Reuters

A massive influx of glacial water into the Atlantic Ocean 8,000 years ago caused a European Ice Age. LiveScience.com


Technology

Microsoft delays Office 2007 release. Reuters, NYT, AP, AP

Pro-Palestinian hackers are attacking Israeli web sites to protest the hostilities in Gaza. Al Jazeera

Crooked landlords scam online hotel room bookers. AP, AP


Miscellaneous

Talking on a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as being drunk. Reuters, BBC, Guardian

Stolen laptop with Veteran’s data turned in to FBI. WP, NYT, Reuters, AP, AP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Space

Weather may scrap Saturday's shuttle launch. Reuters, AP, AP


Animals

Bruno the German bear to be stuffed. Der Spiegel

Web cam of eagle chicks documents fratricide. LiveScience.com


HIV/AIDS

Botswana supplies 85% of HIV-infected citizens with drugs, but infection rates are soaring. Reuters

AIDS blamed for food shortages in Southern Africa. Reuters


Health

Law requiring proof of citizenship for Medicaid benefits is being challenged. Reuters, AP, AP

Congressional Democrats have a plan to negotiate with drug companies for Medicare drug prices. AP

20% of transplant centers do not meet minimum federal standards. AP, AP

Approval of non-stop birth control pill delayed by FDA. Reuters, AP, AP

Premature birth is becoming more common but more can be done for the babies. NYT

Here is a review of why trans-fat is so unhealthy. CBC


Climate Change/Alternative Energy

Sweden has a plan to end oil dependence by 2020. Al Jazeera

Bush administration plans $170 million dollars of funding for solar technology. Reuters

Burying CO2 has produced noxious chemical reactions. ScienceNOW

More on Germany's new lax emissions standards. NYT

More efficient lighting could reduce energy consumption by 10%. BBC


Technology

New iPods may be delayed. Reuters

Senate Commerce Committee approves legislation to allow telephone companies to sell TV programming, drops net neutrality provisions. WP, Reuters, AP, AP

FCC looks to again weaken media ownership rules. WP


Miscellaneous

Tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean is up and running. BBC

The new Samuel L. Jackson movie "Snakes on a Plane" was heavily influenced by online fan input. (Including my new all-time favorite movie line: "I’ve had it with these mother-[expletive] snakes on this mother-[expletive] plane.") LAT

Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Health

Surgeon General wants to make all workplaces smoke free. WP, AP, AP, CBC, Reuters, NYT, LAT

Parkinson'’s drug approved. AP, AP

Fight against malaria seeks new weapons. NYT

Here are some "reasons"” why people are fat. AP, AP, Reuters

Hybrid Burger? AP, AP

Muhammad Ali to introduce low-calorie foods to fight obesity in young people. NYT

Ultrasound to be used to treat battlefield injuries. BBC

California legislature says no to assisted suicide law. Reuters


Animals

Hiker says Bruno the bear could have been tranquilized instead of shot. Der Spiegel

Zoologists have a plan to save the endangered Chinese lake dolphin. BBC

Ancient big cats who ate human ancestors caught bacteria that causes ulcers. LiveScience.com


Cancer

Drug stops lung cancer in mice. Reuters

Researchers test scorpion venom as brain cancer treatment. LiveScience.com

Avastin pancreatic cancer trials halted due to ineffectiveness. LAT


Climate Change/Alternative Energy

Coal may be used to transport hydrogen. ScienceNOW

Global warming may have influenced the 2005 hurricane season. ScienceNOW

DaimlerChrysler to sell tiny, fuel efficient car in US. Der Spiegel

Scientists call Al Gore'’s climate change movie accurate. AP, AP

Germany to backtrack on emissions standards. BBC


Technology

One person could hack electronic voting machines and change the results of an election. WP


Education

Education department panel recommends overhaul of higher education. NYT


Miscellaneous

When people think they are being watched, they behave more honestly. (See Clerks for more info.) BBC, CBC, Guardian

More Buffet/Gates charity love-fest. NYT


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Climate Change/Alternative Energy

The Supreme Court will hear a case requesting that the EPA label CO2 a pollutant. CSM, WP, BBC, ScienceNOW, AP, AP

More glaciers will melt in the near future. WP

Scientists have developed different ideas to reduce global warming. NYT


Animals

People are upset over the killing of Bruno the German bear. Der Spiegel, BBC

Here is another recap of his exploits. Der Spiegel

Species of snake with chameleon-like skin discovered. Reuters, BBC, AP, AP

The US and other countries are leading a fight to keep commercial whaling illegal. WP

A change in blood sugar levels in relocated Rhinos may lead to more male than female offspring. ScienceNOW


HIV/AIDS

Washington, DC is promoting broad HIV testing, estimates high number of HIV-positive residents. WP, BBC, WP


Health

Coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes. Reuters


Technology

EU to rule against Microsoft in anti-trust case. FT, Reuters, BBC


Stem Cells

Disgraced South Korean stem cell scientist to restart his work in a new lab. Reuters


Bird Flu

Borders probably will not close during bird flu epidemic. AP, AP


Miscellaneous

Study: Men with many older brothers more likely to be homosexual due to conditions in the womb. WP, BBC, AP, AP, CBC, Reuters, LAT, Guardian

1200+ pound man in Mexico has lost 200 pounds. AP, AP

More on Warren Buffet and the Gates Foundation. WP, Reuters, Der Spiegel, AP, AP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Animals

We all knew this probably would not end well: Bruno the bear shot dead. Der Spiegel, AP, AP

For a retrospective of his adventures see here and here.

Tortoise thought to have been owned by Charles Darwin dies at 176 years old. AP, AP


HIV/AIDS

New HIV drug approved. Reuters, AP, AP


Bird Flu

Human to human transmission of bird flu confirmed in Indonesia. NYT, BBC, CBC


Stem Cells

Mouse stem cells used to generate both sperm AND egg cells. Nature

Stem cells used to repair stroke damage. Nature, Guardian


Health

New test can monitor levels of protein associated with Alzheimer's. AP, AP

Long-term exposure to pesticides greatly increases risk of Parkinson's disease. Reuters


Space

NASA to sponsor $500 million contest to boost private sector development of space vehicles. Al Jazeera, AP, AP


Climate Change/Alternative Energy

Greenland's ice-sheet is melting alarmingly fast. (If all of Greenland melts, sea level will rise 21 feet.) LAT

Ethanol production is changing lives in agricultural areas. NYT


Technology

Russia wants to produce floating, mobile nuclear power plants. Der Spiegel


Miscellaneous

Warren Buffet to bequeath tens of billions of dollars to the Gates Foundation. WP, LAT, AP, AP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

This Week in Bruno

Interview about Bruno the German Bear. Der Spiegel

Bruno is just taunting them now. Der Spiegel, Der Spiegel

Bavaria says no to female bear to entice Bruno into a trap. Der Spiegel

Open season may again be declared on Bruno. Der Spiegel, Der Spiegel


Things do not look good for Bruno. This Week in Bruno may end sooner rather than later. This is currently my favorite story I have ever put up on the site (once again, compelling and rich), so, I am rooting for the bear.

Hooray, Bear! (Says the beautiful man.)


Categories: Science news, Science, News
Animals

This Week in Science

Climate Change/Alternative Energy

National Academy of Science endorsed "hockey stick" finding that last 25 years are the hottest in the previous 400 years (or 1000 or 2000 years, depending on which story you read). Reuters, WP, NYT, LiveScience.com, ScienceNOW, LAT, AP, AP

Biomass looks to replace oil to fuel the nation. (Nebraska to be the new Saudi Arabia.) WP


Nature

Southern San Andreas fault is due for a major earthquake. CBC, Nature, NG, Reuters, AP, AP

President Bush returns national parks to policy of conservation ahead of human access. CSM, NG, WP, AP, AP


Space

Next shuttle launch set for July 1, safety concerns linger. NYT, LAT, WP, CNN, BBC, Guardian, AP, AP However, despite concerns, NASA safety chief will not appeal shuttle launch date. Reuters, WP, NYT, AP, AP

China wants a man on the moon by 2024. Reuters

Pluto’s moons are named. ScienceNOW


Health

Scientists develop new rapid test for genetic defects in embryos. Reuters, BBC, Reuters, Nature, Guardian

Over 14% of Americans did not have health insurance last year. Reuters

Condoms shown to protect against cervical cancer causing virus. NYT, AP, AP

Vasectomies can cause damage to sperm. BBC, Reuters


Evolution

67 academies of science urge teachers and parent to teach facts of evolution to children. CBC, BBC


Technology

IBM and Georgia Tech develop microchip that runs 250 times faster than current chips. NYT, Reuters

Enormous Airbus jumbo jet delayed again. Der Spiegel

AT&T decides it owns you. Reuters And, predictably, privacy groups decry AT&T’s decision that it owns you. Reuters, WP


Stem Cells

Stem cells regenerate nerves in paralyzed rats. Reuters

South Korean cloning scientist's fraud trial began. BBC, AP, AP, Reuters And he testified. CBC


Bird Flu

Bird flu death toll in Indonesia rises to 39. AP, AP

Indonesian family died of human-to-human spread bird flu. AP, AP And the bird flu virus that killed them was “slightly mutated”. AP, AP

Chinese scientists say 2003 SARS death was actually due to bird flu, then ask for report to be withdrawn. NYT, Reuters, AP, AP


Animals

Dung tells scientists that Pandas may be doing better than previously thought. (Dung, is there anything it can’t tell us?) CBC, Reuters, BBC, ScienceNOW, AP, AP Also, China expands reserve habitat for even rarer Panda subspecies. Reuters

Pro-whaling nations vote for resumption of commercial whaling but come up short. WP, AP, AP, BBC, Reuters However, member states speak of compromise. BBC


Education

Student loan interest rates set to rise. WP


Miscellaneous

North Korea prepares for missile test. WP, LAT, AP, AP And, after $43 billion dollars over the last 5 years, US missile defense program still not ready to shoot it down. LAT, WP, AP, AP

Polygraph results differ between federal agencies. WP

Bill Gates' focus on charity could have an enormous impact. WP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Climate Change/Alternative Energy

National Academy of Science endorse "hockey stick" finding that last 25 years are the hottest in the previous 400 years (or 1000 or 2000 years, depending on which story you read). Reuters, WP, NYT, LiveScience.com, ScienceNOW, LAT, AP, AP


Animals

Open season may again be declared on Bruno the German bear. Der Spiegel, Der Spiegel

New species discovered in Tanzania. LiveScience.com


Cancer

Researchers question if any vitamins or minerals reduce the risk of cancer. AP, AP


Health

Tattoo customers get drug resistant staph infection. AP, AP

Cancer drug prevents macular degeneration. CBC

Makers of flu vaccine predict they will produce a surplus this season. AP, AP

So-called human mad cow disease may be dormant in a person for decades before causing symptoms. BBC, Reuters, NYT


Space

The main camera on the Hubble telescope is down. ScienceNOW


Technology

After $43 billion dollars over the last 5 years, US missile defense program still not ready to shoot down North Korean missile. LAT, WP, AP, AP

French weaken law designed to make iTunes more competitive, Apple may stop downloads in France anyway. NYT, BBC, AP, AP

Privacy groups decry AT&T's decision that it owns you. Reuters, WP


Evolution

Web spinning spiders evolved earlier than previously believed. Reuters, BBC, LiveScience.com, NG, AP, AP


Bird Flu

Bird flu virus that killed an Indonesian family was "slightly mutated". AP, AP


Miscellaneous

Doctors say lethal injection could be made less likely to cause suffering. NYT


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Bird Flu

Chinese scientists say 2003 SARS death was actually due to bird flu, then ask for report to be withdrawn. NYT, Reuters, AP, AP

Indonesian family died of human-to-human spread bird flu. AP, AP

Statins may fight bird flu. Reuters


Science

Stephen Hawking to publish paper on the origins of the universe. Nature


Nature

Southern San Andreas fault is due for a major earthquake. CBC, Nature, NG, Reuters, AP, AP

President Bush returns national parks to policy of conservation ahead of human access. CSM, NG, WP, AP, AP


Cancer

Breast implants do not increase risk of breast cancer. Reuters


Health

Over 14% of Americans did not have health insurance last year. Reuters

Condoms shown to protect against cervical cancer causing virus. NYT, AP, AP

New diabetes drugs have booming market. NYT

Vasectomies can cause damage to sperm. BBC, Reuters


Space

Despite concerns, NASA safety chief will not appeal shuttle launch date. Reuters, WP, NYT, AP, AP

Magnetism, along with gravity, contribute to the attractive force of black holes. NG


Climate Change/Alternative Energy

Biomass looks to replace oil to fuel the nation. (Nebraska to be the new Saudi Arabia.) WP

"“Clean energy"” tax on oil to be voted on in California. Reuters


Technology

AT&T decides it owns you. Reuters


Education

I have been waiting for this: ACLU files suit over Miami-Dade school system ban on children'’s book about Cuba. NYT


Evolution

67 academies of science urge teachers and parent to teach facts of evolution to children. CBC, BBC


Miscellaneous

Satellites are being used to monitor human rights violations around the world. CSM

Ancestry.com announces it has census records from 1790-1930 online. AP, AP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Bird Flu

Indonesia appeals for aid in fighting bird flu. AP, AP

The US does not have a plan for testing bird flu in commercial poultry. NYT, AP, AP

Military cemeteries may close during a bird flu epidemic. AP, AP


Animals

Bavaria says no to female bear to entice Bruno the German bear into a trap. Der Spiegel

International Whaling Commission talks of compromise. BBC


Health

San Francisco has a plan for universal health care. AP, AP

Two key Senators are preparing a bill that would drastically change drug testing. NYT

CNN exclusive: Exercise is good for you. CNN

Rate of diabetes has doubled in past 30 years. Reuters

Nurses file class action suit against hospitals over pay. Reuters, NYT

The price of drugs for the elderly have risen rapidly this year (coincident with the new Medicare drug plan). NYT, Reuters

Use of statins can help prevent development of cataracts. LAT, AP, AP, Reuters


Space

Pluto's moons are named. ScienceNOW

Study reveals gas bubble activity around Earth. CNN


Technology

Microsoft looks to extend its dominance using robots. Reuters

Here's some news from my old home, Irvine, CA: City rejects cell phone towers. LAT


Politics

Chinese government tries to control blogs. Reuters


Stem Cells

Disgraced South Korean stem cell scientist testifies in his fraud trial. CBC


Miscellaneous

Bill Gates' focus on charity could have an enormous impact. WP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Cancer

New breast cancer gene identified in women of European descent. Reuters, AP, AP

Scientists discover trigger for leukemia. Reuters


Technology

IBM and Georgia Tech develop microchip that runs 250 times faster than current chips. NYT, Reuters

New MSN Messenger released. Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP, AP

iTunes wants to sell movies next. NYT

Enormous Airbus jumbo jet delayed again. Der Spiegel


Environment

Supreme Court sends Clean Water Act case back to lower court. WP, Reuters, CSM, AP, AP


Animals

German bear is just taunting them now. Der Spiegel, Der Spiegel

Pandas may be doing better than thought. CBC, Reuters, BBC, ScienceNOW

Anti-whaling countries look to take back the International Whaling Commission. BBC


Nature

Irrigation in Arizona is increasing local rainfall. LiveScience.com


Health

American Heart Association wants strict limits on trans-fats. AP, AP

Taking certain painkillers after a heart attack can increase the risk of another attack. Reuters


Climate Change

Beaches to be victims of climate change. NYT


Stem Cells

Stem cells regenerate nerves in paralyzed rats. Reuters

South Korean cloning fraud goes on trial. BBC, AP, AP, Reuters


Bird Flu

Scientists receive bird flu training in Iowa. AP, AP

Bird flu death toll in Indonesia rises to 39. AP, AP


Miscellaneous

Polygraph results differ between federal agencies. WP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Space

Next shuttle launch set for July 1, safety concerns linger. NYT, LAT, WP, CNN, BBC, Guardian, AP, AP

First satellite for Kazakhstan in orbit. Reuters, BBC, AP, AP

China wants a man on the moon by 2024. Reuters


Health

Scientists develop new rapid test for genetic defects in embryos. Reuters, BBC, Reuters, Nature, Guardian

Synthetic blood vessels? LiveScience.com

Download a personal trainer. NYT


Science

Ethical issues involved with mixing human and animal cells in the lab discussed. AP, AP


Animals

Interview about Bruno the German Bear. Der Spiegel

Pro-whaling nations vote for resumption of commercial whaling but come up short. WP, AP, AP, BBC, Reuters


Cancer

This article is about how DNA testing can identify individuals with high risk of certain cancers and the extreme preventative measures they can take. (For example, having their stomachs removed.) AP, AP

Philip Morris executive wants tobacco to be regulated by the FDA. NYT


HIV/AIDS

New class of HIV drugs carry serious side effects. AP


Climate Change

CEO of BP talks about global warming, etc. Der Spiegel


Technology

Microsoft is making rival for iPod, iTunes. Reuters

Data mining experts wonder how NSA program may be effective. WP


Education

Student loan interest rates set to rise. WP

"Teach for America" Program is drawing top talent. AP, AP


Politics

Possible compromise on net neutrality legislation. Reuters


Miscellaneous

North Korea prepares for missile test. WP, LAT, AP, AP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

This Week in Bruno the Rogue German Bear

Great story, compelling and rich.

Order to shoot the German bear rescinded. Der Spiegel

German Bear is still on the loose. Der Spiegel

German bear beats Finnish dogs. Der Spiegel

German bear hit by car, but OK. Der Spiegel

Finnish hunters still have no luck catching German bear. Der Spiegel, Der Spiegel (The Washington Post sums up “Bruno” and his travels through Germany. WP)

Surveillance cameras that could be used to help find the German bear are being used to protect the World Cup from terrorist attacks. Der Spiegel


Categories: Animals, Science news, Science, News

This Week in Science

Technology

Bill Gates to reduce his role at Microsoft by 2008, increase charity work. BBC, FT, WP, NYT, NYT, LAT, Reuters, AP, AP

Google has upgraded its mapping programs. AP, AP

Amazon to sell groceries. Reuters


Health

Doctors recommend increased vitamin D intake. LAT

Vaccine against Alzheimer’s shows promise in mice. BBC, AP, AP

AMA says Americans should be required to have health insurance. AP, AP

KFC is being sued for using trans-fat containing oil. CBC, Reuters, NYT, AP, AP

US emergency rooms are on the verge of collapse. WP, Reuters


Weather

Alberto made landfall well short of hurricane strength. NG, WP


Space

Stephen Hawking says humans must colonize space to ensure our survival as a species. AP, AP


Climate Change

Billions of tons of carbon may be released by thawing permafrost, which could greatly accelerate climate change. Reuters, LiveScience.com, NG

Polar bears may be cannibalizing each other in response to climate change. AP, AP

Governors of Western States agree on clean energy plan. Reuters

Particles from coal burning plants in China are reaching the West Coast. NYT


Stem Cells

Gene may control transformation of adult stem cells into embryonic stem cells. Reuters, Nature


Bird Flu

Bird flu vaccine shows promise in ferrets. Reuters


Cancer

Blocking anaerobic respiration in cancer cells may slow growth. ScienceNOW


HIV/AIDS

Mutations in a single gene in HIV may have made it deadly. Reuters


Evolution

Scientists have recreated the rapid evolution of a butterfly species in the lab. Guardian, BBC, LiveScience.com, ScienceNOW, NG


Environment

President Bush to create world’s largest marine reserve in Hawaii. WP, NYT


Miscellaneous

I guess I missed this last week: 3-armed Chinese baby has successful amputation. AP, BBC

Tiny, tiny premature baby is going home. BBC


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Technology

Bill Gates to reduce his role at Microsoft by 2008, increase charity work. BBC, FT, WP, NYT, NYT, LAT, Reuters, AP, AP

Gates' successor as chief software architect named. AP, AP, Reuters

iPod sweatshop uncovered in China. WP, AP, AP


Climate Change

Billions of tons of carbon may be released by thawing permafrost, which could greatly accelerate climate change. Reuters, LiveScience.com, NG


Evolution

110 million year-old fossil suggests birds started out in aquatic surroundings. CBC, WP, NYT, Reuters, LiveScience.com, Nature, Guardian, NG, AP, AP


Animals

Finnish hunters still have no luck catching German bear. Der Spiegel, Der Spiegel (The Washington Post sums up "Bruno" and his travels through Germany. WP)

Surveillance cameras that could be used to help find the German bear are being used to protect the World Cup from terrorist attacks. Der Spiegel

Forest service to allow more predators to be killed in the western US. CSM

Pro-whaling majority on Whaling Commission not a done deal. Reuters


HIV/AIDS

Mutations in a single gene in HIV may have made it deadly. Reuters


Education

Miami-Dade schools ban children's book about Cuba. NYT


Stem Cells

EU to cautiously raise funding for stem cell research. Reuters


Miscellaneous

Conjoined twins separated in California. BBC, NYT, Reuters, AP, AP


Categories: Science news, Science, News

Today in Science

Evolution

Scientists have recreated the rapid evolution of a butterfly species in the lab. Guardian, BBC, LiveScience.com, ScienceNOW, NG


Environment

President Bush to create world's largest marine reserve in Hawaii. WP, NYT


Animals

German bear hit by car, but OK. Der Spiegel

Picture of the (once thought extinct) Laotian rock rat. BBC, NG


Health

US emergency rooms are on the verge of collapse. WP, Reuters

Eating moderately is good for you. LiveScience.com


Climate Change

Changing flight schedules could reduce impact of airplanes on climate change. CBC, LAT, BBC, Guardian, NG


Technology

Google launches Federal government search. WP

Amazon to sell groceries. Reuters


Stem Cells

Gene may control transformation of adult stem cells into embryonic stem cells. Reuters, Nature


Bird Flu

Bird flu vaccine shows promise in ferrets. Reuters

Official deaths from bird flu in Indonesia reach 38. AP, AP

From the Arts & Crafts section: Make a mask out of a T-shirt to avoid bird flu. (Tomorrow: Dig your own grave and save!) Reuters


Miscellaneous

NIH researcher accused of selling federally owned tissue for his own financial gain pled the fifth to a Congressional subcommittee. WP, ScienceNOW

Chinese woman with gigantism begins treatment. Reuters


Categories: Science news, Science, News