Articles by Alexander Saltarin
Hello, hemihelix: Scientists stumble upon a new shape during experiment
Researchers from Harvard have discovered a new type of shape while experimenting with rubber bands. The new shape, called a 'hemihelix,' is said to be uncommon in the natural world, unlike other types of helixes.
What quacks in the Southern Ocean? A giant duck? Minke whales, of course
After more than 50 years of wondering, scientists have finally gotten to the bottom of the mystery of the Antarctic “Bio-Duck.” The real source of the mysterious duck-like sounds in Antarctica has finally been revealed.
Pair of supermassive black holes spotted in cosmic tango by European astronomers
Scientists from Europe have discovered two supermassive black holes orbiting around each other. This is the first time that astronomers have found a pair of supermassive black holes co-existing in an ordinary galaxy.
Earth is no stanger to asteroids exploding like atomic bombs
Latest statistics on asteroid impacts show that Earth has been hit by a total of 26 asteroids during the past 14 years. The statistics were obtained from readings taken by sensors designed to measure nuclear detonations, which is a testament to the force of an asteroid impact.
Swedish cosmetic company wants to brighten the moon: Science or just a marketing event?
In a bid to bring down electricity costs and the carbon footprint caused by maintaining streetlights, a Swedish company has proposed a strange and otherworldly solution. The company says the Moon should be brightened.
World's longest running experiment on blob of tar reaches another milestone after 83 years [Video]
The “pitch-drop experiment,” well known as the longest running experiment in the world, finally ended after 83 years. The 9th pitch drop finally fell eight months after the scientist who tirelessly watched over the experiment passed away.
NASA chief defends Mars mission, colonization of Red Planet necessary for human survival
The head of NASA has come forward to defend the agency's plans of sending humans to the Red Planet in the future. The agency's chief added that human colonization of other planets is a necessity for survival.
Modern humans, Neanderthals have hairline-thin genetic difference: Scientists
Using genetics, scientists have found key differences between Neanderthals and modern humans. The new findings show that the differences between the two species is more than skin deep.
New X-ray method can detect hidden nuclear materials. Sorry terrorists and smugglers.
Scientists have developed a new type of X-ray technique that can be used to detect nuclear materials. The new method is being eyed for use in combating nuclear terrorism and illegal smuggling of radioactive materials.
Earth Day 2014 focuses on need for 'Green Cities,' fight against climate change
Earth Day Network leaders say that Earth Day 2014 will be all about “Green Cities.” The Earth Day initiative will focus on the use of sustainable urban development to help combat the effects of climate change.
Scientists spot 'upside-down planet' by accident, discover binary star system 2,600 light years from Earth
Researchers have discovered an 'upside-down planet' with unusual gravitational lensing characteristics. The self-lensing planet may lead to the development of new techniques that could be used to study binary star systems.
Antarctica as warm as California 50 million years ago. Yes, perfect to get that tan
Scientists have found that Antarctica may have been just as hot as California and Florida in the past. New research indicates that 50 million years ago, parts of Antarctica had temperatures similar to modern day Florida.
Graphene mass production now possible, says Irish scientists: What does this mean for the technology industry?
Scientists from Ireland have an efficient and cost effective method of mass producing graphene. Graphene is an advanced material with many potential applications and the new procedure could revolutionize the development of a slew of new products.
'Cosmos A Spacetime Odyssey: The Clean Room' looks into the real age of Earth
Neil deGrasse Tyson investigates the real age of the Earth in the latest episode of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. The episode explores dating methods calculate the age of the planet.
Michigan boy unearths prehistoric Mastodon tooth
A 10,000 year old Mastodon tooth was found by a boy from Michigan. The 9-year-old boy found the ancient tooth while walking along a creek thinking it was a strange looking rock.
Codemasters to announce 'Grid 3' on April 22? Vroom!
Codemasters has just released a teaser trailer with the title “Brace Yourselves…Racing is Coming.” The trailer may add veracity to a rumoured April 22 release date.
Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 22, coincides with Earth Day
Skygazers are in for a double-treat this April 22 with the peaking of the annual Lyrid meteor shower coinciding with this year’s Earth Day. The shower will be visible throughout the whole week but the most spectacular show will happen this Tuesday.
Northern Russia witnesses another meteor explosion, space fireball caught on video
It has been slightly over a year since the Chelyabinsk meteor incident but Russia may have had another encounter with a fiery meteor. The spectacular incident was also caught on video.
Extraterrestrial vitamins: Scientists find loads of B3 on meteorites
Scientists have successfully identified the presence vitamins in meteorite samples. Traces of Vitamin B3 or Niacin have been extracted from small samples of space rocks.
SpaceX wishes ISS a happy Easter, brings 5,000 pounds of supplies and equipment
The SpaceX Falcon 9 has successfully launched on a resupply mission to the ISS. The Dragon Spacecraft is now en route toward the space station.
Discovery of key protein that lets sperm and egg fuse could revolutionize infertility treatment
Scientists have discovered a key protein that allows a sperm and egg cell to fuse during fertilization. The discovery could lead to further applications in reproductive health.
Colorectal cancer is not just due to the yummy processed meats, blame genetics, too: Study
Scientists have found evidence that shows processed meats can increase the risks of colorectal cancer even more for people with certain genes. The new study emphasizes the risks of eating too much processed meat.
Childhood bullying victims more prone to depression, suicide, and anxiety in adulthood: Study
A new study shows that cases of anxiety and depression in adults may be linked to bullying during childhood. The study sheds new light on the long term physical and mental effects of bullying.
'Genetic switches' spelled the difference between Neanderthals and modern humans
Scientists have discovered that genetic switches controlling the activation of certain genes resulted in the differences between Neanderthals on modern humans. The switches caused differentiations in the DNA between the two species.
Kepler-186f: Discovery of Earth-like exoplanet in 'habitable zone' of star suggests we may not be alone
Kepler has discovered what appears to be an Earth-sized planet in a star’s habitable zone. The discovery is considered to be the most Earth-like exoplanet ever found.
People of color exposed to higher air pollution: Why?
A new nationwide study shows that people of color often live in areas more prone to air pollution compared to caucasians. The study may also have important implications to the health of “nonwhite” Americans.
Sex reversal: Neotrogla females have spiny penis, can copulate for nearly 3 days
Scientists have found strange cave insects in Brazil that exhibit sex reversal. The females of this strange insect group have spiny "penises" while the males have vagina-like openings.
Alternative ID methods urgently needed for threatened species: ASU researchers
Researchers say that new ID methods may be needed for endangered animals. Changes in global climate and loss of habitat may necessitate the need for changes in gathering information about animal populations.
Meteorites hint that we can't call Mars our second home: Here's why
New research about meteorites from Mars helps scientists understand the composition of the Red Planet's early atmosphere. The new findings also highlight the divergence between the Earth’s atmosphere and the Martian atmosphere over four and a half billion years ago.
Fit for a king: Chimpanzees choose the best woods to create firm beds
Scientists have found that chimpanzee’s can be quite finicky about where they sleep. New findings show that chimpanzees make beds in trees that offer the best safety and comfort.
