Articles by Jim Algar
Bacteria’s on/off switch: Scientists target quorum sensing to ‘tame’ microbes
Scientist looking for the "off switch" to keep bacteria from turning deadly in the human body. Research suggests alternative to antibiotics.
World population’s growing pains: Study predicts 13 billion possible by 2100
Previously predicted leveling off of population rate in mid-century not likely, researchers say. Birth rate will keep population rising throughout coming century, their analysis suggests.
People's Climate March: NYC readies for largest climate movement in history
Organizers of the People's Climate March say event could attract 100,000 to New York City. Event aims to draw attention to U.N. climate summit set to open next week.
Are artificial sweeteners the recipe for diabetes and obesity?
Artificial sweeteners, often recommended to combat obesity and prevent diabetes, may be having an opposite effect, researchers say. Common sweeteners may raise glucose intolerance, a risk factor for diabetes, they report.
Enterovirus D68: The what, how and why of the disease that's sweeping our nation
Health officials explain the why and where of viral respiratory disease striking mostly children. EVD-68 now confirmed in 18 U.S. states.
Powerful leaders can’t succeed by staying in their own shoes: Study
Those in power who don't listen to other viewpoints more likely to make bad decisions in a crisis, study suggests. Power and perspective need to be combined for good leadership, researchers say.
Giant black hole is tiny galaxy’s best kept secret
Tiny galaxy has a black whole at its center that's much larger than what it ought to be, astronomers say. Dwarf galaxy may be a "stripped" remnant of a much larger one, they say.
Bane for dinosaurs, boon for plants: Deadly meteorite helped deciduous forests flourish
As dinosaurs went extinct following meteor impact, stage was set for a new competition among plants in the world's forests. Faster-growing deciduous plant species out-competed slower-growing evergreen varieties, study shows.
King Richard III was stabbed multiple times, but fought hard until the end
Forensic study of remains of England's Richard III show his death in battle was caused by multiple weapons. Injuries to the head and pelvis where the most serious, researchers say.
Hitchcock films can find consciousness in the unresponsive
Researchers use a short Alfred Hitchcock film to prove a patient in a vegetative state for 16 years is conscious. The technique could improve care and quality of life for such patients, researchers say.
Experts argue new Texas textbooks inaccurately discuss climate science
Proposed social studies textbooks in Texas have come under fire for distortions and inaccuracies in discussing climate science. Publishers have also been criticized for giving into political pressure.
Healthy humans are a favorite host for viruses
Viruses live in and on our bodies always, even if we're healthy. The average person has around five viruses as company, researchers say.
Getting to know the colossal squid: Dissection takes you closer than ever
Colossal squid caught by Antarctica goes under the scalpels for dissection. Creature is only the second known intact specimen ever found.
Cut the sweets, keep your chompers: Study shows sugar is sole cause of tooth decay
Tooth decay study suggests cutting way back on sugar only way to successfully avoid the problem. Study finds 92 percent of American have had tooth decay.
Exploring the Antikythera shipwreck with Exosuit-enhanced capabilities
Suit will turn diver into an underwater Iron Man to investigate shipwreck deep under the Aegean Sea. Wreck has already yielded a unique device thought to be one of the world's oldest computers.
Ikrandraco avatar fossil discovered in China: This flying reptile had pelican-like throat pouch
Flying reptiles would have looked like creatures from the film "Avatar" as they flew over China 120 million years ago, paleontologists say. Movie also inspired scientific name of the new creature: Ikrandraco avatar.
NASA unveils world's largest spacecraft welding tool for SLS, the largest rocket ever
Big jobs need big tools, says NASA as it unveils a giant welding tool for building spacecraft. 170-foot-tall "tool" will help build the Space Launch System, NASA most powerful rocket ever.
Enterovirus D68 spreads to Northeastern U.S.: At least 12 children diagnosed with respiratory illness in NY
Serious virus disease spreads, moving into the Northeast. Officials say the rapid spread of the virus is not unexpected, and people should practice good hygiene and stay home if they are ill.
Journos top cops among biggest coffee drinkers. How about others?
Survey ranks professions by amount of coffee consumed; journalists and media workers drink the most. Experts say coffee has health benefits, but overconsumption can cause problems.
News anchor Dave Benton diagnosed with brain cancer, tells viewers he has months to live [Video]
Illinois news anchor, in emotional live segment, shares news of his brain cancer diagnosis. Dave Benton says tumor has returned, and doctors have given him 4 to 6 months to live.
Quantum Mechanics: Orthodoxy of Copenhagen Interpretation may be replaced by Pilot Wave Theory
Pioneering theory of quantum mechanics, long ignored in favor of a different interpretation, may have its moment in the sunshine. Theory could remove "philosophical vagaries" inherent in the most commonly held assumptions.
Traumatic brain injury damage can be blocked by this new compound
Brain injury often suffered by soldiers in combat can be reduced using new class of compounds, researchers say. Traumatic brain injury from explosions can be reduced or blocked, they say.
Scientists delay fruit fly aging with newly discovered gene
Researchers say activating in "housekeeping" gene in fruit flies extended their life spans by a third. Finding has implications for research into aging in humans, they say.
Lynx controversy: More protection, less habitat?
Federal agency extends protections for threatened lynx but declines to designate new critical habitat. Wildlife activists say they'll go to court to overturn the exclusion.
Unconventional electrons usher in era of low-energy computing
"Rule-breaking" electrons in graphene-based material could lead to faster computers needing less power, researchers say. U.S. and British researchers collaborate in developing new material.
Hear, hear! Eating fish can reduce hearing loss for women
Eating fish twice a week can protect women from acquired hearing loss, study suggests. Finding is one more example of health benefits in omega-3 fatty acids a seafood diet provides, researchers say.
‘Good dog’ or tummy rub? Dogs respond to petting more than verbal praise; Study
Praise your dog all you want; what he really wants is a good tummy rub, study finds. And they don't care who they're getting it from, researchers say.
Fossil of first-known swimming dinosaur found, sheds light on aquatic life
Fossil of dinosaur that was more at home in water than on land re-discovered, paleontologists say. Creature was the largest carnivorous dinosaur that ever lived, they say.
The sound of atoms: Scientists communicate with matter at its smallest scales
Researchers make an atom "sing" like a tuning fork. Advance could lead to speedy quantum computers, they say.
NASA MAVEN and ISRO Mangalyaan orbiters to enter Mars orbit soon
Two spacecraft are preparing to enter Mars orbit for scientific research activities. U.S. and Indian probes arriving at the Red Planet this month.
