Articles by Jim Algar
Cervical cancer rate higher than previously thought, especially among older and black women
Inclusion of women with hysterectomies in cervical cancer studies has made cancer rates seem lower than they really are, researchers say. It's higher than previously believed, notably in older women and black women.
Fat and healthy? Possible, says the polar bear
Being obese not a problem for polar bears, scientists find. In fact, they say, it's crucial to their very survival.
Syphilis rising at alarming rate in the U.S., especially among gay and bisexual men: CDC
Rate of syphilis cases in the U.S. at the highest level since it was almost eliminated a decade ago. Most cases are in gay and bisexual men, report says.
Scientists drill into 2000-year old virgin ice core in Antarctica for climate change snapshot
Ice core almost a thousand feet long pulled from Antarctic ice sheet by international research team. Core should reveal 2,000 years of climate history.
Playing God: NASA recreates interstellar dust in lab
NASA cooks up alien dust in an "oven" that duplicates the extreme environment around giant red stars. Research can yield insights into how planets form.
Astronomers find sun's 'long-lost sibling' and it's not in a galaxy far, far away
Star orbiting in our Milky Way Galaxy found to be a sibling of our sun. Its chemical "fingerprint" is the proof, astronomers say.
KL-VS gene, found in 20 percent of population, may help protect seniors from Alzheimer's
Gene variant associated with longevity may also help prevent age-related cognitive decline, study finds. Findings suggest possible help for Alzheimer's sufferers.
Scientist develops cartwheeling Moroccan spider-inspired robot for Mars mission
Robot intended for rough terrain, like that on Mars, takes inspiration from a cartwheeling desert-dwelling spider. Dubbed Tabbot, the robot can walk or roll over the surface.
Better than Google Maps? Reason behind existence of ancient Peruvian rock lines solved
Ancient lines of rock in Peru may have been an ancient sort of advertising, researchers say. The lines point to centers thought to host trade and ceremonial events around 300 B.C.
NASA releases amazing photos of 'Earthrise' as seen from the Moon
New NASA image of "Earthrise" harkens back to iconic photo taken by Apollo astronauts in 1968. New image was captured by spacecraft in orbit around the moon.
Hello Milky Way, you've been magnetic fingerprinted!
First full magnetic fingerprint of the Milky Way reveals much about star formation, astronomers say. Data from space telescope used to create image.
Star Wars-inspired prosthetic arm 'Luke' approved by FDA, gives new hope to amputees
Prosthetic arm from the inventor of the Segway gets FDA approval for sale in the United States. The robotic arm may help restore the ability to perform complex tasks for some amputees.
Climate change could compromise basic human nutrition, study finds
As carbon dioxide levels go up, many crops will see a reduction in nutrients vital to human health, researchers say. It's yet another health threat linked to climate change, a study finds.
Pesticides and colder winters triggered collapse of honeybee colonies
Two insecticides and the effects of cold winters linked to honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder. The colder the winter, the greater the impact of the chemicals, researchers find.
Gravity-type real-life disaster waiting to happen because of space junk, warns lawmakers
Problem of space junk takes center stage as experts testify before a U.S. House committee. Catastrophic collisions are a real risk, lawmakers hear.
Mind-blowing computer simulation of cosmic evolution akin to psychedelic lightshow
Supercomputers grind away for months to create most realistic model ever of the universe's evolution. The computer model is impressive in its accurate recreation of the observable universe.
Space visionary and Beagle 2 scientist Colin Pillinger dies at 70: Tributes pour in
The scientist who led a British effort to put a spacecraft on Mars has died. The Beagle 2 project to land on Mars was called a "heroic failure."
Electromagnetic soundwaves disorient migrating birds
Humans, with all their electronic devices and gadgets, may be "jamming" the internal compass of migrating birds, researchers say. It's all down to electromagnetism.
NASA spots plasma dance on Sun's surface [Video]
NASA says latest solar flare was the best-observed event ever. Four spacecrafts and a ground telescope witnessed.
War of the Worlds? Fire missiles at Mars to find alien lifeforms
Tiny "bunker-buster" type missiles could burrow instruments into Mars to look for signs of life, group says. Technology will be tested in California this year.
NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory gives glimpse into how star clusters are formed
Observations of star clusters have astronomers scrambling for new theory of how they are formed. Previous theories don't match what they're seeing, they say.
Obese at 25? Get ready to suffer more later
Obesity in young adults suggests greater risk of health problems throughout their lives, study finds. Actual weight, not years of being obese, is most accurate measure of risk, researchers say.
Dinosaurs had amazing bone healing ability: Scientists
Dinosaurs could take it as well as dish it out, researchers say. Fossils show dinos could recover from even the most grisly injuries.
NASA calls for Asteroid Grand Challenge grows louder as bus-sized asteroid 2014 HL129 nearly kisses Earth
Close fly-by of asteroid renews urgency of need to find and track asteroids that could threaten the Earth. NASA is holding competitions in hopes of finding solutions.
Galapagos finches winning fight against deadly parasite (with a little help from humans)
Scientists help island birds deal with parasites by providing "self-fumigating" nest- building material. Finch nests built with treated cotton found to be free of the parasites.
Cosmos Episode 9 'The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth': Amanda Seyfried walks us through Earth's early past
Theory of continental drift, once a scientific laughingstock, has its history and validation described in the latest "Cosmos" episode. The contributions of brave geologists willing to support it in the face of ridicule is highlighted.
Let's stop being fence sitters and make bold decisions on climate change, urges UN chief
The world's governments must step up and be counted in the effort to halt the impacts of climate change, U.N. chief says. He calls for action ahead of climate summit in New York in September.
Vampires! Old mice show signs of reverse aging when transfused with young blood
Blood from young mice, when introduced into elderly mice, acts like fountain of youth researchers say. The findings could have applications for the treatment of human age-related diseases like Alzheimer's.
Consumption of sports and energy drinks may prompt teens to make unhealthy choices: Study
Teens who are heavy consumers of sports and energy drinks are more likely to indulge in other unhealthy behaviors, study finds. Experts say the drinks provide few of any benefits.
What's wrong? Ivy League university students use ADHD drug to succeed in exams
Some students admit to using prescription drugs intended to help ADHD sufferers focus and concentrate in an effort to boost their academic performance. Colleges must implement policies to deal with the problem, researchers say.
