Articles by Jim Algar
Bubonic Plague Spreading Through Madagascar
In outbreak of bubonic plague in Madagascar, officials confirm cases in the country's capital city. Capital Antananarivo has not seen a confirmed case in 10 years, health officials say.
DNA Surprises Scientists By Surviving Entry into Earth's Atmosphere
DNA shows its resilience, survives trip into space and a return through Earth's atmosphere on the exterior of a rocket. Researchers say the DNA was still genetically functional when recovered.
Scientists Discover Earth's 'Invisible' Shield Protecting Us From Radiation
The Earth has its own "Star Trek"-like force shield protecting it from potentially dangerous radiation, scientists discover. Shield like a "glass wall" in space holds back radiation that could damage satellites or put astronauts at risk, they report.
SpaceX Unveils New Floating Rocket Landing Pad
SpaceX founder Musk tweets photo of "autonomous spaceport drone ship." Craft will serve as landing pad for SpaceX reusable rockets on their return from space.
NASA Opens Cube Quest Challenge, Winner Gets $5 Million
NASA puts $5 million into prize purse for mini-satellite design competition. Winning team will see its satellite launched to the moon and beyond, space agency says.
Centipede Genome Mapped For the First Time, Shedding Light on Early Evolution
Centipedes have more legs than we do but fewer genes, researchers say. The genes that aren't there are more interesting than those that are, they find.
Bacteria Keeps the Brain Healthy: Study
Bacteria in our bodies may have a role in protecting our brain against harmful pathogens, new research finds. They are critical to creating and maintaining the blood-brain barrier, the brain's first line of defense.
Teens on Anxiety, Sleep Meds More Prone to Drug Abuse
Teens on prescriptions for sleep or anti-anxiety drugs are more likely to abuse them once their prescriptions run out, a study finds. Abusers often turn to family or friends for pills, researchers say.
How Do Vultures Survive on Rotting Flesh?
Vultures have evolved a gut that can deal with the teeming dangerous bacteria on rotting flesh, their staple diet. Ability makes them valuable for removing bad bacteria from an ecosystem.
1,700-Year-Old Mythical Carvings Decorate Silk Road Cemetery
Ancient tombs built for the wealthy have been discovered in northwestern China. A cemetery was unearthed in a city that was strategically important to Silk Road trade routes to the West.
When Did Whisky Become Art? And Science? Photographer and Engineer Team Up to Show How
Where an artists sees beauty in the bottom of a whisky glass, researchers say they see science -- and a phenomenon of liquids dubbed the "Marangoni Effect." Beautiful patterns left behind in a glass by drying whisky have a scientific basis, the researchers say.
Stunning Beauty of Jupiter Moon Europa Revealed in Remastered NASA Photo
Newly improved images of Jupiter's moon Europa show a likely place to look for evidence of extraterrestrial life, NASA says. New image based on photos taken by the Galileo spacecraft in the late 1990s.
Puff, Puff: Benzene in Hookah Increases Leukemia Risk in Smokers
Study finds health risks in hookah smoking despite widespread belief the water pipes are safer than cigarettes. Popular with younger smokers, hookahs may be increasing their health risks, researchers say.
Scary-Looking Black Sea Devil of the Deep Caught on Video
Like something out of a nightmare, bizarre sea creature stars in video captured by deep-sea research vessel. Black sea devil with its fearsome fangs and lighted 'fishing pole' intrigues scientists.
Leave the Fallen Leaves Alone! Here's Why
Science to the rescue if you're too lazy to rake the leaves off your lawn. Leaving them alone is good for the environment in a number of ways, experts say.
Peruvian Glow Worm Lights Up to Lure Prey to Death
When glowing worms in Peruvian rain forests put on a light show, it means it's dinnertime, researchers say. Bioluminescent creatures 'turn on' to lure insect prey within reach.
How Would the Public Be Warned of Potential Asteroid Impact?
Experts at a workshop debate the best way to advise the public in the event of a possible impact by a near-Earth object. Communicating such warnings on a global scale to diverse audiences will be difficult, they warn.
Exoplanet Models Its Magnetic Field for Physicists
Astrophysicists model solar winds slamming into distant exoplanet to estimated planet's magnetic field. Technique could help delve into mysteries of exoplanets and their characteristics.
Nestle Working On 'Exercise in a Bottle' For the Gym-Averse
Swiss company looking to create an edible product that could mimic the effects of exercise. Product could "trigger" the body's metabolism and provide the same benefits of physical exercise, they believe.
New Fossils Fit into Horse and Rhino Evolutionary Puzzle
Fossil in India opens a window into the evolutionary ancestry of modern horses, rhinos and tapirs. Ancient creature evolved in India when it was still an island, before it merged with Asia, researchers say.
Expedition 42 Soyuz Rocket Rolls Out Today
Crew members -- one American, one Russian and one Italian -- prepare for launch to the International Space Station aboard a Russian capsule and rocket. Crew will spend more than 5 months on the ISS conducting hundreds of science experiments.
An Unhappy Marriage Can Burden the Heart Until it Literally Breaks Down
People in a bad marriage at higher risk of heart disease including strokes and heart attacks, study finds. The impact is especially severe for wives, researchers say.
These Strollers May Amputate Fingertips: Graco Recalls Products
Stroller manufacturer announces recall of units with a hinge that may injure or even cause amputation of fingers. Free repair kit to be available, says Graco Children's Products.
Milestone Birthdays Tend to Prompt Big Life Decisions and Strange Behavior
Birthday at the end of life decades tend to push people to self-examination and big decision, study finds. It's not just at the usual midlife crisis either, they say.
Humans Needed Barley to Inhabit Tibetan Altitudes
A new crop from the west helped the first people to permanently live in the rarified altitude of the Tibetan plateau. Frost-resistant barley was what made it possible, researchers say.
Even if You're a Heavy Drinker, You're Probably Not an Alcoholic
U.S. study looks at adults who drink excessively, finds most don't meet criteria for true alcoholism. Study authors caution that excessive alcohol consumption still is a health risk.
Scale a Wall With These Gecko Gloves and You'll Never Dream of Being Spiderman Again
Climbing system inspired by gecko feet uses sticky hand pads that allow a man to climb a vertical wall without need of a ladder. Researchers say NASA is interested in the technology for use with robots.
Scientists Tagging Fish Are Actually Telling Seals 'Dinner's Ready!'
Acoustic tags used to track fish for scientific research may be creating a "dinner bell" effect making them vulnerable to predators, researchers say. In a study, seals were seen to prefer and seek out tagged fish over those without tags.
Canadian Gives Birth in US and is Billed Nearly $1 Million
Canadian woman who prematurely gave birth while on Hawaii vacation faces $950,000 medical bill. Insurance company covering her travel has denied her claim.
Scientists Compare Mouse and Human Genomes: Do Results Validate Use of Mice as Research Model?
Research comparison shows mice and humans have enough in common genetically to make the rodents good human models in medical research. Much genetic activity found in mice is similar to what happens in humans, researchers say.
