Articles by Jim Algar
Nautical Robot That Looks Like a Fish Could Give Close Glimpse into Marine Life
Nautical robot with fish-like fins could prove ideal for close up study of marine life, its developers say. Unique four-finned craft has freedom of movement around every axis and in three dimensions, Swiss student team behind the robot says.
Using Stem Cells to Learn How to Help Treat Dementia
Researchers turn skin cells from dementia patients into stem cells in an effort to develop understanding of the condition. Research may lead to new therapeutic treatments for dementia, they say.
Cholera's Method of Killing Identified
Cholera bacterium are predators, attacking other bacteria and stealing their DNA, study finds. This makes cholera even more virulent and deadly, researchers say.
Fast Food Still as Unhealthy as Ever
Despite some improvements, fast food remains a less-than-healthy habit for many Americans based on calories, fat and salt. Between 1996 and 2013 little changed when it came to fast nutrition -- or lack of it, researchers say.
Scientists Discover Surprising New Information About Proteins That Could Help Treat Alzheimer's
A particular protein has been found capable of bypassing the normal "DNA blueprint" process for creating new proteins within cells, researchers report. Finding could have impact on research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, they say.
How Quickly Did Fukushima Radiation Reach North America, And When Will It Peak?
Scientists track radiation plume from Fukushima nuclear disaster, time its arrival off North American coast. Radiation levels have yet to peak, they say, but will remain below dangerous levels.
Americans Avoided Over 1.5 Million Cancer Deaths in Last 20 Years
Figures from the American Cancer Society show a significant drop in cancer cases and cancer deaths in the last 2 decades. Reduction in smoking, screening tests credited with much of the decline.
Walgreens Buys Alliance Boots, Becomes Global Pharmacy
Walgreens buys British pharmacy giant to become a global pharmacy, health and wellbeing company. New alliance will trade as Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Hubble Spies Rare, Beautiful, Aging Galaxy IC 335 Located 60 Million Light Years Away
Distant galaxy is seen and photographed by Hubble edge-on, making classification difficult, NASA says. Galaxy IC 335 may be an "intermediate" galaxy straddling usual categories, astronomers say.
2-Year-Old Boy Shoots Mom Dead With Her Gun
Mother shopping in Walmart accidentally shot and killed with her own gun. Woman's 2-year-old son found the gun, for which the mother had a permit, in her purse and accidentally discharged it, authorities say.
Perception of Time Dilation Offers Different View of Dark Energy
Researcher suggests dark energy not necessary to account for the accelerating expansion of the universe. The apparent acceleration can be explained by time dilation cause by the movement of the galaxy in the past and present, he says.
Doctor Loses License After Assisting in Six Suicides
Maryland strips license from doctor for allegedly assisting in suicides of patients who were not terminally ill. Dr. Lawrence Egbert worked as part of national right-to-die organization Final Exit Network.
Happy New Year Countdown: Watch Times Square Crystal Ball Drop
Times Square in New York prepares for New Year's Eve ball drop, a tradition since 1907. The event, which is expected to garner a global television audience of a billion people, will also be streamed live online.
Comet Lovejoy Has a Happy New Year Treat in Store: Don't Miss
Comet will help ring in the New Year, providing skywatchers with a visual treat for much of January. Comet 2014 Q2 will make its closest approach to Earth on Jan. 7.
A Surprising Number of People Think Weight-Loss Pills Work
Many people think diet pills will work as advertised, despite any evidence to the contrary. They also also believe the FDA has confirmed their effectiveness, even though the agency never has.
Harvard Law School Violated Title IX, Agrees to Revise Sexual Harrassment Policy
Department of Education investigation of school over its handling of sexual harassment complaints found it in violation of federal guidelines. Harvard Law has agreed to update it policies.
DARPA Wants Drones to be Swift as Hawks, Small as Insects
Defense Department seeks research help to develop small drones capable of swiftly navigating complex indoor environments. Project would take inspiration from nature's flying creatures.
Molecular Map of Autism Genes Identified
New findings on autism point to communications problems within the brain as one cause of the disorder. Researchers study links between proteins and genes involved in autism.
Hong Kong's First Deadly Bird Flu Case This Winter: 68-Year-Old Woman Diagnosed with H7N9
Officials say first case of bird flu in Hong Kong this winter was "imported" in woman returning from mainland China. Woman remains in intensive care in Hong Kong hospital.
Increased Consumption of Fast Food May Lead to Poor Academic Performance
As fast food consumption by children goes up, their test scores in school go down, study suggests. Reading, math and science scores take a hit by the eighth grade among kids who are heavy consumers of fast food, researchers report.
AirAsia Flight QZ8501 Still Missing with 162 People Onboard: 'My Worst Nightmare,' Says CEO
Search continues for airliner that vanished in region of heavy storms. Contact with AirAsia flight lost 42 minutes into flight from Indonesia to Singapore.
'Breaking Bad' Syndrome: Most Acts of Violence Are 'Virtuous' and 'Morally Necessary'
People who commit acts of violence often believe they're doing the right thing, anthropologist duo suggests in new book. They feel motivated by morals, authors say.
Lost Memory May Potentially Be Restored: Hope for Alzheimer's Patients?
Research into where and how memories are stored in the the brain suggests memories lost to diseases like Alzheimer's might be recovered. It comes down to neurons and synapses, study finds.
Pinto Abalone Population on Decline but National Marine Fisheries Services Won't Grant Federal Protection
Sea snail prized for its beautiful shell and considered a dining treat does not need protection, federal officials say. Conservation groups had petitioned for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Top Science Stories of 2014: Research and Discoveries That Made the News and Why They Mattered
Wide range of topics make a list of most viewed science stories of the year. Health, genetics, environment stories all made the list.
Methane Leaking from Siberian Permafrost: Dangerous Addition to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Permafrost layer keeping methane from leaking into the atmosphere from ocean off Siberia is thin and weak, researchers say. Thawing with global warming could release a flood of the greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, they say.
Novartis Working on 'Fountain of Youth' Drug
New experimental drug shows promise for boosting the immune system in older people, researchers say. A stronger immune system can hold back many diseases linked to old age, they suggest.
NuSTAR Captures Image of Sun in High-Energy X-Rays
Space telescope turn its gaze from the edges of the universe toward our own sun. X-ray instrument is ideal for uncovering mysteries of our star, scientists say. Thanks to NuSTAR, now we can look at the Sun in all its magnificence.
Adopted Stray Dog Pulls Cancer Patient Through to Survival
Alabama man credits dog he and his wife adopted with part of his victory over cancer. Tiny white dog named Mahjong "part of that miracle," he says.
Precursors to Egg and Sperm Cells Created in Lab
Creation of eggs and sperm from stem cells could lead to new treatments for infertile couples, researchers say. British scientists have turned stem cells into sperm and egg cell precursors in a lab.
