Recent posts by Rick Pantaleo:
Improved Sense of Smell Led to Bigger Brains
We all enjoy the aroma of beautiful flowers or of those freshly baked cookies. Our acute sense of smell is something that is unique to mammals. And, according to a recent discovery, it also boosted brain evolution. The study, published in the journal Science, may help explain why mammals evolved such large and complex brains, […]
Bubbling Volcanic Ocean Found Beneath Jupiter Moon
Scientists have discovered an enormous ocean of bubbling magma beneath the surface of Io, one of the many moons of Jupiter. A team of researchers studying this phenomenon says that the global ocean about 30 to 50 kilometers beneath Io’s crust helps explain the moon’s activity. While volcanoes on Earth tend to occur in localized […]
Science Scanner: Exploding Watermelons and Silk-Shooting Tarantulas
Fruit Land Mines Watermelons are exploding all over Eastern China. It sounds like the storyline from a movie but, unfortunately, its true. And it’s causing havoc for farmers who had hoped to quickly grow bigger melons. An investigative report by China Central Television finds farms in Jiangsu Province are losing acres of fruit to the […]
Fat “Master Switch” Gene Found
Scientists may have discovered the so-called “master switch” gene that’s linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels. Researchers believe the gene, known as KLF14, controls the behavior of other genes found in body fat. Although genetic researchers have known about KLF14’s connection to diabetes and cholesterol levels for some time, this study shows […]
Are Brain Waves as Unique as Fingerprints?
When children enter adolescence their brains begin to undergo a series of rapid changes – actually a sort of neural overhaul – shedding what was needed in childhood and adding functions and abilities that are critical in adulthood. Despite these considerable and ongoing changes, when something in the brain remains so steadily unaltered, neuroscientists take […]
Science Scanner: 05/12/11
Everywhere you look there’s something interesting and exciting in science news. Here’s a rundown of some science-related stories that have caught my eye recently and may interest you as well. NASA Sets New Launch Date for Endeavor’s Final Flight NASA managers have set Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m. EDT as the new date for […]
Future Computers May Go Subatomic
Imagine the computer of the future – which would process complicated sets of data instantly while also being capable of storing an almost-infinite amount of information. Physicists at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Garching, Germany have taken a significant step toward making that a reality. By reducing standard computer data down to […]
This Week on the Science World Radio Program
Do fragile ecosystems send out a warning signal prior to their imminent collapse? That’s one question we explore this weekend on the Science World radio program. Researchers recently discovered that a remote Wisconsin lake is sending what they believe are complex signals warning of the impending collapse of the lake’s aquatic ecosystem. Dr. Stephen Carpenter, […]
Take a Peek into FBI’s UFO Files
It’s just become a little easier to access some of the FBI’s most intriguing files. The FBI has files on phenomena like flying saucers, Extra Terrestrials and Extra Sensory Perception. And now you can see them for yourself. The bureau recently overhauled its Freedom of Information and Privacy website. Among the items that were updated […]