Developing Countries Inundated with E-waste; Google Street View of Distant Galaxies; Setting Sun Gives Bats Direction
Where Does the World’s E-Waste Go? When you replace a PC, tablet, mobile or any kind of electronic device, do you ever wonder what happens to your old equipment? A new study finds that about 25 percent of all e-waste discarded by developed countries ends up in seven developing nations, posing severe health risks to people […]
Science Images of the Week
Science Scanner: Curiosity’s Mars Selfie, Jurassic Caterpillar & an X-ray of Dark Matter?
Odd X-ray Signal Might be Sign of Dark Matter Strange X-ray emissions from galaxy clusters– hundreds of galaxies connected to each other by gravity–are providing clues about mysterious dark matter. Dark matter–if it really does exist–is thought to be invisible, doesn’t produce or attract light, and makes up a majority, 84.5 percent, of the matter […]
Science Images of the Week
Scientists Explore Mystery of Antarctica’s Rising
An altered Antarctic landscape is one of the rarely discussed side effects of accelerated ice melting. For years as the ice grew in Antarctica, its weight compressed the ground beneath it. But when the ice melted and this weight was reduced, the ground sprang back, rebounding over time. However, the ground in the Northern Antarctic […]
NASA Delves into Deep Recesses of Mars
NASA hope exploring the deep recesses of Mars will give scientists insight into the early history of Earth. The US space agency recently gave the green light for the construction of a new lander that will examine the deep interior of the red planet. Scientists hope learning more about the composition, layering and processes of […]
Humans Too Stupid to Meet ET
Are we alone in this mammoth universe? Or are there other life forms and civilizations out there waiting to be discovered? Would we be ready for such an encounter? The answer is no, according to a new study conducted by a Spanish neuropsychologist, who found we aren’t smart enough, and are too influenced by religion, […]
Astronomers May Have Spotted A Moon Orbiting an Extrasolar Planet
According to NASA, more than 1,000 extrasolar planets have been confirmed in recent years. There are also thousands more potential planets beyond our solar system that are waiting to be discovered. Now, an international group of astronomers think they may have found the first exomoon, or moon circling an exoplanet, some 1,800 light years away […]
Researchers Test Real ‘Thinking Cap’
Teachers often urge their students to put on their “thinking caps” as a way of encouraging serious thought. However, a real thinking cap could someday become a reality. New research shows it’s possible to control the ability to learn by applying mild electrical current to the brain. Writing in the Journal of Neuroscience, the Vanderbilt […]
Caffeine Might Improve Long-term Memory
Caffeine not only gives us a daily jump start, but new research suggests it also can enhance long-term memory. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, nearly 90 percent of people worldwide consume about 200 milligrams of caffeine each day. That’s equivalent to about one strong cup of coffee a day. Writing in “Nature […]