Articles by Jim Algar
Largest Genome Study Demonstrates Obesity's Genetic Link
Studies find strong evidence for genetic basis of obesity, researchers say. More than 100 locations in the human genome play a role in traits found in obese people, they say.
New Drug Proposal Could Be Revolutionary For Alzheimer's Research, Treatment
Researchers read for trials of a new drug to treat Alzheimer's. Drug known as T-817MA could not only slow but arrest the progress of the disease, they suggest.
Who Wants To Go On A One-Way Mission To Mars? Surprisingly, Lots Of People
Dutch group planning on sending "settlers" to Mars says it has had 200,000 volunteers. More than 600 have made the first cut for a 2024 flight to the Red Planet, the group Mars One says.
Ancient Cult Sites, Symbols Found In Israel's Eilat Mountains
Male and female symbols of fertility, death found at cult sites in Israel's Negev Desert. Findings suggests ritual activities including sacrifices at sites, researchers say.
Napping May Fix Negative Effects Of Lack Of Sleep
Even a brief daytime nap after a poor night's sleep can help the body recover, study finds. 30-minute nap can reduce stress hormones, restore the immune system, researchers found.
Google Gives $1M To California's Lick Observatory
Google donation will help keep financially-troubled University of California observatory in operation. Lick Observatory was built in 1888 as world's first permanent mountaintop astronomy facility.
Andean Ice Cap Studied, 16th Century Air Pollution Revealed
Ancient pollution in Andes Mountain ice is evidence of Spanish conquistadores' lust for silver in 16th century Bolivia, researchers say. Massive mining efforts based on slave labor created atmospheric pollution, they report.
'Smart' Insulin: Diabetes Game Changer?
Researchers create form of insulin that 'switches' on and off in response to blood sugar levels. Long-lasting 'smart' insulin could give new hope to Type 1 diabetes sufferers.
Cats, Foxes Behind Demise Of Native Australian Mammals
Cats and foxes, brought to Australia by Europeans 200 years ago, are decimating native mammals species, researchers say. Continent has lost 10 percent of native species to the invasive immigrants, they say.
Stressed Young Bees Linked To Colony Collapse
Environmental stressors that push honeybees out of the hive when too young may be behind widespread collapse of bee colonies, researchers say. Deaths of young bees can lead to domino effect in hive's tightly structured social order, they say.
NFL Hires First Chief Medical Adviser: Time To Tackle Concussion Issues?
NFL announced Boston and Harvard doctor as medical adviser. Appointment comes as league struggles with concussion issue that has been highlighted by deaths, lawsuits.
NOPE: Schools In Some U.S. States Initiate New Anti-Drug Program
New drug educational program focuses on prescription painkillers, increasingly being abused by young people. Such drugs account for 71 percent of prescription drug overdoses, figures show.
Researchers Unveil Earth's Inner Core And Its Mysteries
Earth's "solid" inner core not so solid after all, researchers find. Like an onion, the interior of our planet has layers -- more than previously thought, it turns out.
Baby Born 'Pregnant' With Two Fetuses Inside: Reason Behind Incredibly Rare Condition Still A Mystery
Baby girl born in Hong Kong found to have two absorbed fetuses inside her, may have been triplet siblings, doctors say. After fetuses removed surgically, healthy baby girl goes home.
Neil Armstrong's Secret Stash Of Moon Souvenirs Revealed
Widow of Neil Armstrong finds bag of parts from Apollo 11 moon landing mission in home closet. NASA calls bag and its contents "priceless" historical artifacts.
Curiosity Drills At Rock That Yields More Evidence Of Ancient Water On Mars
NASA Mars rover drills into rock that suggests some water in the Red Planet's past was highly acidic. Space agency used more gentle drilling technique to gather samples.
Four Cups Of Coffee A Day May Keep Endometrial Cancer Away: Study
Women who have a heavy coffee habit may be lowering their risk of cancer of the uterus, study suggests. Regular and decaffeinated both seem of offer the benefit, researchers say.
Detroit 'Walking Man' James Robertson Finally Gets New Car: Read His Amazing, Inspirational Story
Detroit man whose 21-mile walk to work highlights Detroit's economic woes gets gift of new car. His story touches hearts of thousands, brings in donations and support.
NASA Reveals Dark Side Of The Moon In New Video
Moon's hidden side revealed for all to see courtesy of a new NASA video. Video created from images gathered by the space agency's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Red Wine Latest To Join List Of Fat Burning Foods
Red grapes, whether eaten or drunk as juice or wine, can help burn fat and fight the effects of obesity, study finds. Chemical in dark grapes show potential as "fat-busters."
Mysterious Galaxy X Found Finally? Dark Matter Hunters Would Like To Believe So
Mysterious dwarf galaxy in orbit around our Milky Way home may be composed mostly of mysterious dark matter, astronomers say. Discovery follows 2009 prediction of its existence based on strange ripples seen in the outer edges of the Milky Way.
Looking For Mr. Perfect? Settle For Mr. OK Instead
Evolution has driven us to be risk-averse when it comes to choosing a mate, researchers say. Waiting for Mr. or Ms. "Right" is seen as a high-stakes survival gamble.
What Microbes Live In The NYC Subway System? Researchers Map Them Out
New "PathoMap" shows New York City's subway system to be alive with bacteria and viruses, researchers say. However, most are harmless, so the morning commute can continue in safety, they say.
Dawn Spacecraft Captures Even Better Image of Ceres
Dwarf planet or asteroid? Call it what you will, the giant space rock is slowly revealing its secrets as a NASA spacecraft approaches for a rendezvous in March.
How Does Rain Spread Disease Among Plants? High-Speed Camera Captures Phenomenon
Life-giving rain falling on crops also brings risk of spreading plant diseases far and wide, researchers say. Raindrops, pathogens and springy leaves all combine to spread plant diseases quickly during rainfall, study shows.
Termite Mounds Can Hold Back Deserts
You wouldn't want them in your home, but termites perform a valuable service by keeping ecosystems from collapsing into deserts, researchers say. Termite mounds can be a safe haven for vegetation, holding the desert's advance.
Hubble Catches Three-Moon Photobomb in Jupiter Image
Three of Jupiter's four largest moons make a rare appearance together as they cross in front of the giant planet. Rare occurrence captured in dramatic Hubble Space Telescope images.
Mental Disorders Intersect In Certain Brain Regions
Loss of gray matter in certain brain regions seen as a link between a number of major psychiatric disorders, researchers find. Same effect seen in schizophrenia, depression, OCD and other mental-health problems, they say.
Smartphone-Powered Device Can Test For HIV, Syphilis
Inexpensive device powered by a smartphone could bring medical diagnoses to developing countries, researchers say. Small, self-contained device nearly as accurate as massively expensive diagnostic equipment, they say.
EPA Urged To Tighten Ozone Standards
Environmentalists at odds with business and industry over possible tighter limits on smog-causing ozone. Both sides get aired at EPA hearing in Sacramento.
