Articles by Jim Algar
NASA’s future toy: Check out the 2020 Mars rover
New instruments for upcoming NASA rover on Mars will make it "Curiosity on steroids." A twin of the current Curiosity rover will take upgraded scientific capabilities to the Red Planet in 2020.
More of a lemon, less of a sphere: Our moon’s odd shape explained
Tugged, pulled, spun and squashed; how the moon got its less than perfect shape. It's not a perfect circle, but it's an interesting shape, researchers say.
Deer mouse sperm engage in 'group swim' to up fertility: Harvard study
There's safety -- or at least mating success -- in numbers for some species whose sperm can cooperate, study finds. Groups of sperm found to swim faster than solo sperm.
Blood test may be able to detect suicidal tendencies
Simple blood test may reveal genetic predisposition to suicide, scientists say. Test could allow for early intervention, treatment.
Patient octopus protects eggs for record-breaking 4.5 years
Devoted mother octopus shows longest egg-brooding time seen in the animal kingdom. Creature neither moved nor ate during 4.5-year vigil, researchers say.
Debate about X-ray glow settled: Origin is local hot bubble of gas
Scientist send X-ray detector aloft on a rocket to solve 50-year-old mystery. Origins of X-ray "fog" surrounding Earth confirmed.
Extreme waves in Arctic Ocean: Another threat to sea ice
Arctic sea ice, already threatened by global warming, faces new onslaught from giant waves. Shipping and oil exploration in the regions could be at risk, researchers say.
Mystery of the World Trade Center ship solved thanks to tree rings
Colonial-era ship found at World Trade Center site built in Philadelphia around 1773, experts say. Wood used was the same kind found in that city's historic Independence Hall.
Mars rover Opportunity makes record-breaking drive
NASA rover on Mars breaks the distance-driving record for any vehicle on another world. Opportunity rover racks up 25 miles, beating previous Russian record.
Giant telescope for galaxy-gazing to be built on Hawaiian island
Despite opposition from native Hawaiians, giant telescope gets go-ahead for construction atop Mauna Kea volcano. Giant instrument will peer into the farthest reaches of the Universe.
Delta Aquarid meteor shower peaks tonight at 15-20 meteors per hour
Dark skies should make for good viewing of Delta Aquarid meteors. Shower could show 15 to 20 meteors per hour.
Second giant crater found in Siberia: Looks neither manmade nor natural, expert says
Remote region of Siberia starting to look like Swiss cheese with discovery of two more mysterious craters with deep holes, researchers say. Scientists remain baffled as to their origin.
Were dinosaurs simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Death of the dinosaurs at the hands of an asteroid may have just been "colossal bad luck," study suggests. Timing may have hit the ancient creatures at their most vulnerable, researchers say.
Want to track gut bacteria and how they affect health? There's an app for that
Study uses smartphones to track the state of human microbiota, the communities of bacteria living inside all of us. Study shows microbiota not immune to what goes on in the outside world.
Powerful CME solar storm in 2012 stopped short of wreaking havoc on Earth
Earth had narrow escape from a possibly catastrophic solar storm in 2012, researchers say. Space weather event could have disrupted global power grid, they say.
Gaza war photo nearly moves ISS astronaut to tears: 'My saddest photo yet'
Astronaut aboard space station captures and tweets image of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He describes seeing flying rockets and explosions.
NASA needs at least $400 million for 2017 Space Launch System program
Budget shortfall could put NASA's deep space rocket program's timetable at risk, federal watchdog says. Without additional funds first test launch in 2017 may not be possible, it says.
Sixth-grader Lauren Arrington lionfish science fair project is stolen work: Zack Jud
Debate rages over whether science project by sixth-grader was lifted from another researcher's work. Fight over invasive lionfish study has gone viral.
Discovery of 'dry, hot Jupiters' by Hubble means revisiting planet-formation theories
Studies of distant exoplanets fail to find the water that current theories of planet formation say should be there, researchers say. Finding opens 'can of worms' in planet studies, they say.
The human body: Google’s new frontier
Google project to study the human body called a "moon shot" effort regarding human health. Goal of project is to determine and define a database representing the healthy human.
We’re in the midst of a sixth ‘mass extinction’, bleak study claims
The Earth is in the early days of another mass extinction of species, and this time we're to blame, studies say. It's "anthropocene defaunation," or put simply, a loss of animals that's our fault.
Only 8.2 percent of our DNA actually does anything, Oxford study says
Only small percentage of our genome does the vital work of keeping us functioning, study suggests. The rest, genetically speaking, can be though of as "junk" DNA.
Russian gecko sex satellite out of control, may crash to earth
Experiments involving gecko sex in space at risk, controllers say, as satellite won't respond to commands. If control is not regained, spacecraft will crash back to earth.
Total darkness crucial for breast cancer therapy, night light weakens drug
A drug commonly used to treat breast cancer may be less effective at nighttime if any light is present, researchers suggest. Body's production of sleep hormone has effect on cancer tumor, they find.
Remarkable cave in Wyoming to be excavated for Ice Age fossils
Dangerous cave in Wyoming to be reopened to allow scientists to study thousands of bones of ancient creatures. Access is the first granted since the 1970s.
Tyrannosaurs hunted and terrorized in packs, BC tracks suggest
Tyrannosaurs may have joined up in "terror gangs" to hunt down and kill prey, fossilized tracks suggest. Finding show the creatures may not have been the solitary predators once thought.
Football stadium will be a ‘death trap’ for birds, Audubon says in calls for safer glass
Huge glass stadium for Minnesota Vikings will put migrating birds at risk of collision, wildlife group says. Audubon Society calls for design changes, different type of glass.
Help wanted: NASA asks for commercial satellite network on Mars
NASA says more communications capacity needed as its landers and rovers on Mars continue science explorations. Commercially owned and operated satellites could be one solution, space agency says.
Were all dinos feathered? Siberian fossil says yes
Fossil of new dinosaur suggest all dinosaurs, not just bird ancestors, sported some kind of feathers. Siberian fossil dino had feathers, but was a runner not a flier.
HPV vaccine use 'unacceptably low', CDC reports
Percentage of teens being vaccinated against cancer-causing virus "unacceptably low," CDC says. Agency calls on doctors for help in recommending vaccinations.
