Articles by Jim Algar
World's most sensitive, accurate thermometer can measure temp in less than a second
Most sensitive thermometer ever created uses light beams for precise measurements. The device can detect temperature to within 30 billionths of a degree.
White women at higher risk of melanoma if exposed to strong sunburn during youth
Exposure to sun and sunburn episodes for Caucasian women in early life are crucial to determining the risk for melanoma. Find out what this new study says.
Medicare may soon pay for sex change surgery: Lifting of ban a boost to transgenders
Federal appeals board overturn ban on Medicare coverage for gender reassignment surgery. Ban had been in place since 1981.
NASA high-tech ForceShoe ensures astronauts get their exercise: Here's how
Astronauts aboard the space station do get some fancy footwear to monitor the effectiveness of exercise regime. "Space sandals" with built-in computers will measure their activity.
American Fitness Index ranks fittest U.S. cities: How does your city fare?
Ranking of America's "fittest cities" puts the nation's capital on top. Broad measures of public health and fitness created ranking of 50 largest U.S. cities.
Want your kids to love veggies? Give them an early taste
The key to getting kids to eat vegetables -- and like them -- is to start offering them early and often, researchers say. Best time if younger than two years, they say.
SpaceX launches Dragon V2 astronaut spacecraft
SpaceX unveils 'space taxi' to take astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Company founder Elon Musk says Dragon V2 will lower the cost of space travel.
Global warming more scary to Americans than climate change
Terms "climate change" and "global warming" mean different things to different people, a new poll finds. "Warming" ois more likely to generate a strong response than "change," researchers find.
Measles hit new high since 2000, reports CDC
People traveling to areas of the world where measles are common are bringing the contagious disease back to the U.S., authorities say. The worst outbreak has been in Ohio.
Scientists discover compound that may lead to a possible MERS cure
International research team identifies compounds that could lead to treatment for deadly coronaviruses such as MERS and SARS. Compound shows ability to keep the virus from reproducing in the human body.
Russia extends smoking ban, WHO pushes for higher e-cig tax as tobacco day looms
World Health Organization proposal to classify e-cigarettes as tobacco product brings protest. They should be allowed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, experts urge.
Supersonic, super simple spray for graphene making
Sheets of wonder material graphene created in simple, inexpensive spray method. Material could have almost unlimited applications, researchers say.
Feeling cynical? You just may be losing your mind, literally
Study in Finland suggests possible link between cynicism and the development of dementia. Study suggests personal attitudes can affect brain health as we age.
MERS misdiagnosis in Illinois man, Mangalorean woman
Two suspected cases of MERS virus, one in U.S. and one in India, turned out to be misdiagnosed. Blood tests clear Illinois man, show no transmissions of Middle East virus have occurred in the United States.
Heroin users are white, wealthy and living in the suburbs
Heroin use, long considered an "inner city" problem, is now more prevalent in American's suburbs, researchers say. Increasingly, addicts are wealthy, white and live in the best neighborhoods.
Antarctic ice sheet feels the heat of global warming: Expect sea levels to significantly rise
Climate change is tipping Antarctic Ice Sheet into spasm of retreat and iceberg formation. The result could be significant rises in sea levels, researchers warn.
Mexico breastfeeding ad campaign gets slammed for using topless models and sexualizing the practice
Storm of criticism surrounds ads in Mexico meant to encourage new mothers to breast feed. Use of topless celebrities and "guilt trip" wording draws protests.
CO2 level in Northern Hemisphere hits record high 400 ppm: 'Time is running out,' warns UN
Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide stayed above 400 ppm for entire month of April, U.N. says. Experts says it is a cause for concern.
African zebras log world's longest migration by terrestrial wildlife: 311 miles!
African zebras claim title as the world's migration champion when it comes to distance. Their 300-miles trek even takes them across national borders.
Cardiac statin guidelines under scrutiny: Should you be using them?
Guidelines that have seen many more American put on cholesterol-lowering drugs are being questioned by some doctors. Many ar particularly concerned about women and the use of statin drugs.
Deadly virus MERS arrives in Iran with 2 cases reported
Virus spreading from the Middle East has authorities around the world concerned. The MERS virus has claimed around 175 victims so far.
Obesity gene impacts food choices, impulse control, say researchers
People with a variant of a so-called 'obesity gene' could have an uphill battle with obesity as they get older. The gene can affect impulse control and food perception, researchers say.
Why light-colored butterflies and dragonflies are loving the climate change
Climate change shown to have direct effect on distribution of insect species in Europe. Species colors in different regions found to be linked to temperature, researchers say.
Human muscles went weak to make way for bigger brain, says study
For evolving our human intelligence, researchers say, we may have paid a price measured in muscle strength. Energy for muscles might have been siphoned off for growing brain power, study suggests.
Laser-powered particle accelerator cheaper than RF waves: Study
Particle accelerator powered by laser proposed for better, cheaper physics research. Such devices would not need miles-long accelerator tunnels common in current facilities.
Memorial Day celebrated with exotic bugs at Houston Zoo
Creepy-crawlies from around the world on display at the Houston Zoo. Memorial Day celebration sees opening of zoo's $3 million Bug House.
Iodine deficiency in pregnant mothers may delay offspring's brain development
American Academy of Pediatrics warns pregnant and breastfeeding women of the dangers of iodine deficiency. Increase in consumption of processed foods linked to problem.
Google Doodle remembers Rachel Carson on her 107th birthday: Here's what you should know about the author of 'Silent Spring'
Google Doodle celebrates the life of Rachel Carson, whose "Silent Spring" book was the wake-up call for the modern environmental movement. Google tribute shows her in the natural world she cherished.
Camelopardalid meteor shower in May was more fizzle than sizzle
Sky watchers hoping for a "meteor storm" express some disappointment. Camelopardalid meteor shower couldn't quite deliver as hoped, astronomers admit.
Nearly 70 percent of healthy Americans infected with HPV, but don't panic
Up to two-thirds of American carries some variety of HPV virus, study finds. It's not a reason for concern, researchers say, as most of the varieties are harmless types.
