Articles by Jim Algar
Reading a Meteorite Like It's a Hard Drive from Space
Peering inside a meteorite yields clues to what goes on in the magnetic core of our own planet, researchers say. Findings suggest the ultimate fate of Earth's magnetic field, they suggest.
Scientists Upload Mind of Roundworm in Lego Robot: Nearing Artificial Intelligence?
Robot with software modeled on a worm's neurons can replicated worm's behavior, researchers announce. Project may bring AI one step closer.
Scientists 'Tame' Genetically Modified Bacteria
Researchers say genetic re-engineering of bacteria used in production of drugs, fuels makes them safer to use. Such bacteria would die if they escaped into the natural environment and not present a threat, they say.
Mystery Goo Killing Hundreds of Birds in California
Source, identity of mysterious rubber-like goo killing birds around San Francisco Bay has officials stumped. Substance fouling feathers has killed more than a hundred birds, they say.
Dust on Ocean Floor Raises Questions About Supernovae
Current theories of what happens when a star explodes may have to be reexamined, astrophysicists say. Questions about supernova formation are raised by analysis of cosmic dust on the Earth's ocean floors.
New 'Predator Crocodile' Predecessor of Dinosaurs Unearthed in Africa
Fossil of ancient reptile with teeth like steak knives unearthed in Africa. Ancient "predator crocodile" walked the earth before the dinosaurs arrived.
TV Alcohol Ads Linked with Underage Drinking: Study
Young people who see a lot of TV ads for alcohol more likely to indulge in hazardous drinking behaviors, researchers say. Underage youth especially vulnerable to the effects of TV advertising, findings suggest.
FDA Will Regulate Some, Not All, Health-Related Wearables
FDA clarifying its position on whether or not it will regulate "general wellness" wearable devices. Most such devices will not be considered "medical devices" and won't require approval or regulation, the agency says.
New Laser Technique Turns Metals Into Water-Repellent 'Supermaterials'
Laser pulses make for super-slippery "hydrophobic" materials that shed water better than Teflon. The new laser technology could have uses in solar energy devices, and water-collection in developing countries.
X-Rays Unravel Secrets from Scrolls Buried in Vesuvius Ash
Researchers use X-ray technology to peer into ancient scrolls blackened into charcoal by A.D. 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Scrolls were found in a seaside villa buried under volcano's ash.
New Mysteries of Fragile X Syndrome Unraveled
Genetic study yields new insight into the most common cause of inherited intellectual disabilities. Patient with unusual genetic mutation provides researchers with clues to condition and its source.
Heavy Drinking Often Follows Long Working Hours
Putting in long hours at work could lead to putting in long hours at your neighborhood bar, study suggests. 50-hour work weeks links to increased likelihood of "risky alcohol use," researchers say.
Melting Glaciers Reveal Stone Age Artifacts
As glaciers retreat with warming, evidence of ancient peoples is revealed. Artifacts are evidence of daily life 7,000 years ago.
It's Official! 2014 is Hottest Year On Record: Global Warming Is No Hoax
2014 goes into the record books as the hottest year since record-keeping began 135 years ago. Human impact on global warming no longer deniable, researchers say.
Oracle's Larry Ellison Will Build a Sanctuary for California's Critters, Creepy Crawlies and More
Billionaire pledges funds to build wildlife rehabilitation and breeding center in Northern California. Center will focus on less "charismatic" but nonetheless important species like snake, salamander and butterflies, conservationists say.
Here's Why Scientists Think July 16, 1945 Marks Beginning of Anthropocene Era
Dawn of the nuclear era suggested as a date to mark the start of the Anthropocene era, international scientists say. Era marks the period of significant alterations of the Earth by human activity.
Earthy, Post-Rain Smell Explained by MIT Scientists
Researcher create slow-motion video of "champagne bubble" effect to show the origin of the familiar after-rain smell. Raindrops can release aerosols from the ground into the air as they hit, researchers find.
Huygens Probe's Titan Landing Remembered 10 Years On With Amazing Photos, Video
Dramatic images commemorate first spacecraft to land on a moon of the outer solar system. Huygens probe parachuted to icy surface of Saturn's moon Titan 10 year ago.
Living on the Edge: Deep-Diving Mammals Risk Heart Arrhythmias
Dolphins, seals may be experiencing heart rhythm problems during deep dives, researchers find. Conflicting needs of conserving oxygen while actively pursuing prey may be putting stress on their hearts, a study suggests.
Rice-Sized Laser is Boon for Quantum Computing
Tiny laser powers quantum dots one electron at a time, brings quantum computing one step closer. Princeton University says single-electron device is "as small as you can go."
From Diapers to Microscopes: How One Material Can Improve Imaging
Scientist turn to baby diapers to improve the resolutions power of their laboratory microscopes. Absorbent material in disposable diapers can make biological samples bigger, easer to image, they find.
Geese Follow 'Roller-Coaster' Flight Pattern to Save Energy: Study
Geese that migrate over the towering Himalaya Mountains every year use a "terrain-following" strategy for the most efficient use of their energy, researchers find. "Smart" flight strategy makes the long, high-altitude journeys possible, scientists say.
Stress Makes It Difficult to Empathize with Strangers: Study
The stress we feel when encountering a stranger may get in the way of our feeling empathy for them, researchers say. Lowering that initial stress can allow for more empathy, they say.
Lupus Death Rates Vary Among Different Races, Ethnicities
Blacks and Native Americans in the United States face greater mortality risk from lupus when compared to whites, study finds. However, death rate from the autoimmune disease is lower in Hispanics and Asians, researcher say.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Predict Solar Flare Threats
Machine learning techniques could yield advance warning of possible dangerous solar storms, researchers say. Such storms can damage satellites and power grids on the Earth.
Depression, Anxiety Seen to Precede Alzheimer's
Behavioral changes may be early symptoms of onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, researchers say. Non-cognitive symptoms such as depression or irritability may precede the cognitive symptoms involving thinking and memory, they suggest.
IOM Calls for More Sharing of Clinical Trial Data
Sponsors of clinical trials are being urged to share data with outside researchers. Such policies could bring on more medical advances and improve health care, an expert panel says.
Mass Animal Die-Offs On the Rise: Birds, Fish, Marine Invertebrates in Danger
Survey of mass animal die-offs finds they've been increasing for the last 70 years. Such events are often more severe than observed previously, researchers add.
The Deadly Potential of Synthetic Cannabis
Death of two men in Australia, linked to synthetic cannabis, raises alarms. Experts warn of dangers in the production and sale of such synthetic compounds.
MIT Cracks Algorithm for Robot Object Recognition: Will It Usher in Era of Household Robots?
Helping robots recognize common objects may bring household robot help one step closer. MIT researchers develop computer algorithm that can help such a robot quickly identify objects it would need to manipulate.
