Scientists prove cosmic rays are made of protons
WASHINGTON — Cosmic rays are made of protons, scientists found as they used a vast array of telescopes arranged across the Utah desert.
Scientific Agenda
Scientific Agenda reports on important and interesting developments from the world of science in Minnesota and elsewhere. Coverage includes reports from MinnPost journalist Sharon Schmickle, Inside Science News Service, and other sources.
Jet lag sends brain ahead a time zone, leaves kidneys in another
Though the brain tries to synchronize all of these clocks on a daily basis, some are more stubborn about resetting than others when adjusting to a new time zone and sleep schedule — according to a new study of sleep-deprived mice, which have interna
Count confirms critical status of endangered right whale
WASHINGTON — After more than a decade of monitoring the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska, scientists have released the first count of one of the world’s most endangered group of whales.
U of M researchers wonder: In a tropical forest, why do some plants thrive and others become rare?
What they found from studying seedlings is that some species have issues akin to the problems in dysfunctional families: they just can’t stand to be too close to each other.
Researchers turn classic children’s toy into tiny motor that could become medical device
WASHINGTON — Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have miniaturized a children’s toy into a tiny motor that could one day power medical devices or harvest solar energy.
What weathermen know about climate change
A study released by the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication in Fairfax, Va., showed that 27 percent of broadcast meteorologists believe that global warming is a scam.
Ignorance of science: Who’s to blame?
If the American public doesn’t “get” science issues, who is to blame — the many scientifically illiterate Americans or scientists themselves?
New clues on why mosquitoes do what they do
Scientists are picking up new clues to the behavior of the insect that is so very annoying for us in Minnesota and so dangerous for people in many other parts of the world.
Thin power source for thinner computers
WASHINGTON — Thin electronic readers such as Amazon’s Kindle are designed to mimic the look of ink on paper.
Where lightning strikes more than twice
The U.S. National Lightning Detection Network monitors cloud-to-ground lightning activity across the U.S. and has just released their latest data on lightning strikes from 1996-2008 and lightning deaths from 1999-2008.
World Cup security uses physics to thwart hackers
WASHINGTON — South African physicists working to protect data networks at the World Cup hope to provide something that no goalkeeper can promise: perfect defense.
U of M researchers build more efficient solar cells
A team of University of Minnesota researchers has built solar cells with potential efficiencies better than twice as high as current levels.
San Francisco to require cell-phone warning
San Francisco is set to be the first place in the nation to require that retailers tell consumers how much radiation their brain will absorb from new phones.
Jaguars and how they hunt: Scientists equip jaguars with GPS collars
Brazilian ranchers troubled by the tendency of jaguars to stealthily kill cattle may be justified in their fears, according to new research on the mysterious cats’ hunting patterns.
Why hammerhead sharks have a wide nose
The wide spacing between the nostrils may help broad-nosed sharks track down their prey much quicker than sharks with smaller, pointy-shaped heads, according to new research that reexamines how the animals smell.
The moon may hold 100 times more water than previously thought
The moon’s interior may harbor 100 times more water than previous estimates, according to a new study that took a fresh look at samples of moon rocks collected by Apollo astronauts nearly 40 years ago.
U of M event will focus on link between health of planet and people
Award-winning physician Larry Brilliant will discuss the relationship between the health of the planet and the health of people at the University of Minnesota tonight.
Videos, satellites, computer models used to estimate BP spill
Official government estimates now say that around 27,000 barrels of oil per day have been pouring out of the damaged well in the Gulf of Mexico since the leak began.
Stability of new World Cup ball tested
WASHINGTON — Every four years, a new official soccer ball is designed for and used during World Cup matches. And every four years, players criticize the new ball. But this time around, the athletes have science on their side.
32 percent of federal waters in Gulf now are closed to fishing
Scientists have begun a new phase in their effort to test seafood from areas of the BP oil spill.