Articles by Jim Algar
NASA To Turn Donated Spy Satellite Into Another Hubble-Like Space Telescope (Video)
Repurposed spy satellite will spy on universe's mysteries, including dark energy and exoplanets, NASA says. The space agency is accelerating a program meant to put it into orbit in 2024.
Astronomers Detect Shock Waves Revealing Dozens Of Milky Way's 'Runaway' Stars
Runaway stars speeding through our galaxy reveal themselves in 'bow waves' of glowing gas, astronomers say. Dozens of such stars have been identified this way, they explain.
Visible Light From Black Hole Activity Observed For The Very First Time (Video)
The intense glow created as a black hole swallows surrounding material gives astronomers a locator 'beacon,' astronomers say. Visible light detection of black hole is a first, they say.
Scientists Probe For Secret Of Why Ancient 'King Kong' Ape Went Extinct
An ancient giant ape was probably doomed by climate change, researchers say. Restricted to one kind of habitat and limited food choices, the 'King Kong' ape proved unable to adapt to environmental change, they say.
Millions Of Teens Being Targeted By E-Cigarette Advertising, CDC Says
The e-cigarette industry is spending tens of millions of dollars to target teens with advertising, the agency says. The industry faces little in the way of federal regulation of such advertising, it points out.
No Risk Of Developmental Delay For Kids Conceived Through Fertility Treatments: Study
Children conceived through in vitro fertilization or other assisted fertility treatments develop normally, study finds. Developmental assessments of children born through such treatments and other children show no difference, researchers say.
Researchers Forecast Impact Of Invasive Asian Carp On Lake Erie's Native Fish Species
If Asian carp reach Lake Erie, they could eventually make up a third of the total weight there, researchers predict. Native species like walleye and trout could decline, they say.
Tiny Chameleon Makes Up For Diminutive Size With Strongest, Quickest Tongue (Video)
The smaller the chameleon, the mightier its tongue, study finds. To capture an insect meal, a chameleon's tongue out-accelerates and out-powers that of any other reptile, bird or mammal based on body size and muscle mass.
Scientists Baffled By Failure Of Humpback Whales To Return To Hawaiian Waters
The unusual absence of humpback whales’ annual winter migrations to Hawaiian waters has puzzled researchers. El Niño effects on ocean waters may be a factor, they said.
At Start Of New Year, Hawaii Raises Legal Smoking Age to 21
Hawaii institutes the first statewide measure in the U.S. raising the legal smoking age to 21. Military bases in Hawaii will also comply and say they support the move.
What Is Your Crying Baby Trying To Say? A New App Can Translate For You
A mobile app compares your baby's crying with a cloud database of sounds. An analysis of the baby's cries can help you understand what the infant needs, researchers say.
Some Kids On ADHD Meds Are At Risk Of Psychotic Side Effects, Researchers Warn
Children may see psychotic side effects from their ADHD medications if their parents have a history of mental issues. The finding does not mean such drugs should not be used, but vigilance is important, researchers say.
'Godzilla' El Niño Bearing Down On US Is Still Growing, NASA Says
Satellite imagery shows a current El Niño, similar to the 1997 event that caused extreme weather around the globe, researchers say. The U.S. should feel the effects in the coming months, they say.
Having Type 2 Diabetes Can Up Your Risk Of Developing Dementia, Research Shows
Type 2 diabetes can double the risk of one kind of dementia, researchers say. The risk is higher for women, they note.
Millions Of Trees In California Forests Could Become Victims Of Drought
Water losses in four years of ongoing drought threaten the well-being of some 41,000 square miles of the state's forests, a study finds. Around 58 million trees are at risk of dying if drought continues, they warn.
Iconic Native Hawaiian Trees Being Decimated By 'Rapid Death' Fungus
Fungal disease is attacking important ohia trees on the Big Island, officials report. Half the trees within 6,000 acres of forest have been affected, they say.
Scans Of Compulsive Gamers' Brains Show They're Wired Differently
Researchers find hyperconnectivity between certain brain regions in those compulsively addicted to video games. While helping in game playing, such connectivity can have a downside, researchers say.
Deep-Sea Giant Squid Makes Rare Appearance In Japanese Harbor (Video)
A marine creature seldom seen in shallow water, the giant squid prefers the deep sea, experts say. The squid seen in Japan was likely a juvenile, as adults can grow to 40 feet, they say.
People At Risk Of Heart Disease Should Have Even 'Normal' Blood Pressure Treated: Study
Drugs meant to lower blood pressure could help those with risk factors for heart attack or stroke, even if their blood pressure is within currently accepted normal range, study suggests. Researchers call for review of current guidelines on treatment.
Philippines Joins Mexico In Approving Vaccine For Dengue Fever, While Cases Spike In Hawaii
Following Mexico's approval, Philippines' Department of Health has confirmed the use of Dengvaxia, a vaccine that can prevent all forms of the disease particularly dengue hemorrhagic fever which strikes hundreds of millions each year. India is also expected to approve the Dengvaxia vaccine soon.
Glaucoma Patients Under Misperceptions About How Marijuana May Affect Their Condition
Researchers say the public needs to be better educated about the possible benefits, or lack of them, in using marijuana to treat glaucoma. Science doesn't support the popular expectation of its effectiveness, they say.
NASA Releases Closest Pictures Ever Captured Of Dwarf Planet Ceres
Images of Ceres have been captured by the Dawn spacecraft orbiting just 240 miles above the tiny world. Close-up photos show craters, fissures and fractures.
US Produces First Plutonium In 30 Years To Power Future NASA Space Missions
NASA is close to running out of the isotope that creates power for space probes, so scientists are cranking up production. They've produced the first Pu-238 isotope created in 3 decades.
Technical Glitch Causes NASA To Put Next Mission To Mars On Hold
Problems with the main scientific instrument on the spacecraft meant to probe the interior of the red planet leads to suspension of launch. The decision will mean a 2-year delay in the InSight mission, NASA says.
Bacteria That Can Resist 'Last Resort' Antibiotic Found In Great Britain
Antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli and salmonella first detected in China have reached the UK, officials say. Despite that, public health risk is still considered very low.
Chinese Rover Finds New Kind Of Rock On The Moon
China's Yutu rover finds a kind of basalt rock that formed more recently than basalt sampled by early American and Russian lunar missions, scientists say. The lunar surface makeup is more diverse than previously believed, they say.
Rare Venomous Sea Snake Found On California Beach: Experts Point To El Niño Effect (Video)
A venomous sea snake was found on the beach south of Los Angeles. Ocean waters warmed by El Niño may have brought the reptile from its normal tropical habitat.
Frigid Seas Leave 120 'Cold-Stunned' Sea Turtles Stranded On Cape Cod
Turtles unable to migrate south to warmer waters have washed up on Cape Cod beaches. Survivors are being treated for hypothermia, officials say.
How Big Can A Black Hole Grow? How About 50 Billion Suns' Worth!
A study sets the upper limit to the size of massive black holes in the center of galaxies. The limit is reached when the disk of gas around the black hole runs out of food.
US Ends Lifetime Ban On Blood Donations From Gay Men
Gay and bisexual men can donate blood if they've abstained from sex with a man for one year, the FDA says. The new policy lifts the lifetime ban put in place 30 years ago.
