Articles by Jim Algar
Curiosity readied for further drilling into the surface of Mars, looking for life-friendly habitats
Following test drilling, Mars rover Curiosity prepared to go deep into rock in search of clues to past environments. Sandstone rock suggests possible past water.
Element 117 is real and it is super heavy, scientists confirm
Particle collider experiment yields a new element, number 117 on the periodic table. Smashing other elements together yielded just four atoms of the elusive, super-heavy 117.
Rumors of rotting whale carcass exploding are overblown
Decomposing whale carcass on Canadian beach in no danger of blowing up, officials say. It will simply slowly deflate like a balloon, they say.
Human stem cells used to fix damaged hearts of monkeys: Are humans next?
Human stem cells create muscle fibers to repair damaged hearts in monkey study. Technique could bring treatment of human heart disease in a few years, researchers say.
How were ancient pyramids constructed? Now we know
How do you drag giant blocks of stone across the desert to build a pyramid? Add a little water to the mix, researchers say.
Leonardo da Vinci may have secretly created a Mona Lisa in 3D, researchers investigate
Leonardo's famous portrait, the Mona Lisa, has another almost exact copy painted from a slightly different perspective. The two portraits may have been an early attempt at creating a 3-D image, researchers say.
Ganymede, largest moon in the solar system, may possess "club sandwich" of internal ice, ocean layers
Jupiter's giant moon Ganymede could possess many layers of water and ice, like a "club sandwich." Makeup might make emergence of primitive life possible, researchers say.
Ocean acidity eating through shells of sea snails, warns NOAA
Tiny snails important in marine food chain are being threatened by increasing ocean acid levels. Many important food fish depend on the snails for nourishment.
Day on exoplanet Beta Pictoris b is just one third of Earth day: Feeling dizzy already?
First rotation speed ever clocked of an exoplanet reveals a whirling dervish of a world. A day on this planet is just 8 hours long.
Superbugs a global threat to public health, WHO warns
As more and more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, global health will suffer, U.N. report says. Call is for immediate action.
Young galaxy behaves with surprising maturity, startles astronomers
Relatively young galaxy surprises astronomers by not "acting its age." Its calm demeanor is much more like a settled, mature galaxy like our Milky Way, they say.
NASA Tron-like Z-2 spacesuit wins public vote
Asked to choose appearance of next-generation NASA astronaut suit, public goes for glowing "Tron" look. Suit will be built and ready for testing in November.
Infants can distinguish photos from real-life objects as early as nine months: Study
Babies are smarter earlier than previously thought, study finds. Nine-month-old can make mental connection between photos of an object and the real thing.
Use of human skin cells to create sperm may revolutionize infertility treatment
New research could lead to treatment of male infertility using a man's own cells to overcome genetic disorder that prevents sperm production. Stem cell research in mice suggests possible research path, scientists say.
Super-heavy element 117 confirmed. Here's how scientists made it.
Physicists smash atoms of calcium and radioactive berkelium together to create new element. Element 117 is awaiting an official name.
Pacific tuna detected with traces of Fukushima radiation leak: Time to panic?
Tuna caught off Oregon and Washington coasts show traces of radiation from 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Though measurable, levels are too low to be health concern, researchers say.
Win rock-paper-scissors game every time with this mathematical formula
Rock-paper-scissors not as random as you might think, researchers say. A simple strategy can improve your chances of winning.
Cry wolf: African fork-tailed drongo mimics alarm calls to steal others' food
African bird turns impressionist to create panic in other species, then swoops in to steal their lunch. Fork-tailed drongos have an impressive repertoire of sounds it can mimic.
Galaxy casts out entire star cluster, which is now heading towards Earth at over two million mph
Distant galaxy winds up to throw cosmic fastball, ejecting an entire cluster of stars. Cluster is headed our way, but will likely ended up a permanent wanderer in empty space.
Say hi to Paratarsotomus macropalpis, the world's fastest land animal ... but you'll need a magnifying glass
Tiny Southern California mite is the fastest creature in world word, based on size. A human would have to run at 1,300 mph to match it.
You're dumb to think Neanderthals were dumb: Study
Theories that "dumb" Neanderthals lost out to "smart" modern humans don't hold water, researchers say. All available science shows them to be as smart, they say.
Discovery of Lake Huron hunting structures sheds light on how Ice Age people lived
Dry land structures now under waters of Lake Huron show hunting techniques of early people in the region. Structures would have helped corral, capture caribou.
First solar eclipse of 2014 was amazing but could be enjoyed only by Australians and penguins [Video]
Total solar eclipse with "ring of fire" only completely visible in remote area of Antarctica. Australia gets a view, but only as a partial eclipse
Laugh away age-related memory loss problems: Study
Researchers find laughter is indeed the best medicine. Humor found to fight memory loss in the elderly
New York, Chicago ban e-cigarettes, CDC director hints crackdown has just begun
More cities banning e-cigarettes as debate over health issues continues. Both Chicago and New York institute new prohibitions.
625-lb. man loses 400 lbs, thanks to 'Draw Something' app and a special friend
Online friendship with woman in England helps Michigan man lose almost 400 pounds. Kicking alcoholism and healthy diet led to dramatic slimming.
Cosmos by Neil deGrasse Tyson episode 8 'Sisters of the Sun' pays tribute to women astronomers
Women astronomers get long-overdue attention in "Cosmos: 'Sisters of the Sun.'" Episode has highlighted works of pioneers in the study of stars.
1 in 3 breast cancer survivors end up unemployed: Study
Physical toll and financial burden of chemotherapy for breast cancer can bring long-term unemployment. Many women working at the time of diagnosis eventually find themselves unemployed.
FDA says yes to HPV test as pap smear alternative
Genetic test as stand-alone cervical cancer screening test get FDA approval. Test approved as alternative to the long-standing Pap smear.
Asteroids, as seen from Mars (Thank you, Curiosity)
Two asteroids are photographed by Curiosity rover on Mars. Both of them are giants, bigger than either of Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos.
