NYTimes Science And Technology News: 30 November 2008
December 1st, 2008 • NYTimes, Science, Technology
- The Evidence Gap: New Arena for Testing of Drugs: Real World
There is a growing movement to gather evidence to explore what treatment is best for typical patients with complex symptoms.
- A Soldier, Taking Orders From Its Ethical Judgment Center
Some scientists propose that fighting robots have benefits, but moral questions linger.
- A Whisper, Perhaps, From the Universe’s Dark Side
Recent results from a number of experiments have led some scientists to suspect that they are getting signals from a shadow universe of dark matter.
- Statins May Lower Odds of Pneumonia Death
Statins, the drugs widely used to control cholesterol, may have another beneficial effect: lowering the risk of death from pneumonia.
- Observatory: Studying Rare Penguin, Scientist Finds New Species
The most unusual aspect of the scientists’ discovery of a new species of penguin is that it’s extinct.
- Vital Signs: Nostrums: Ginkgo Biloba Found Not to Avert Dementia
Ginkgo biloba appears to do nothing to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a new study says.
- Q & A: Old and Cold
Does age affect people’s ability to endure cold?
- Vital Signs: Safety: Helmets’ Face Shields Found to Be Sturdy
Plastic face shields that attach to helmets are strong enough to protect players’ eyes from even the most powerful blows, a new study finds.
- Observatory: Blanket of Soil May Hide Vast Martian Glaciers
New evidence suggests that pure ice in the form of glaciers may be buried under a thin layer of soil and rock on the red planet.
- Observatory: Once Thought Invasive, Some Galápagos Plants Can Call the Place Home
Some plants that were thought to be invasive species in the Galápagos Islands predate humans by thousands of years.
- Slump May Limit Moves on Clean Energy
A poor global economy and plunging prices for coal and oil are upending plans to curb the use of fossil fuels.
- Books of The Times: Polly Wanna Cracker? Squawk! Do Better, That’s So Bush League
Irene M. Pepperberg describes her three-decade-long relationship with Alex the African gray parrot — and her struggle to win recognition from the scientific establishment.
- Books: Magnificent Medical Miracles, and Everyday Ones, Too
Two new health books go a long way toward explicating medical miracles pursued and those that unfold against all expectations.
- Bald Eagles in Catskills Show Increasing Mercury
An environmental organization has found high levels of 0f mercury in the blood and feathers of bald eagle chicks in the Catskill Park region of New York.
- Basics: In an Age of Robots, One to Clean the House? Still but a Dream
Today’s experimental robots bear little physical resemblance to our fantasy androids.
- World Briefing | The Americas: Canada: Hawking Takes Post at Physics Institute
Stephen Hawking will become the first distinguished research chair at Canada’s leading scientific trust, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario.
- The Great White Way Tries to Turn Green
Broadway Goes Green is a new partnership between the city and Broadway that is meant to shrink the Shrek-size carbon footprint of the Great White Way.
- Arduous Space Mission in the Homestretch
The shuttle Endeavour will separate from the International Space Station on Friday and will land as early as Sunday at 1:18 p.m., weather permitting.
- Edwin E. Salpeter, Leader in Astrophysics Study, Dies at 83
Dr. Salpeter was an astrophysicist known for his studies of chain reactions in stars and as a developer of the “Salpeter-Bethe equation” describing how helium changes to carbon.
- Investment Funds Push an Environmental Agenda
Investing with the idea of improving the environmental actions of corporations is catching on among some big pension funds.
- NYC: Tickling Worms Leads to Discoveries, and a Measure of Fame
Dr. Martin Chalfie, winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is learning that winning one of the world’s most prestigious prizes does come with perks.
- Asian Beetle Spells Death for Maples So Dear
A number of maple trees in Worcester, Mass., will be chopped down because of an infestation of Asian long-horned beetles that is plaguing thousands of trees.
- Space Shuttle Undocks From Space Station
Space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven departed the International Space Station on Friday.
- A Land Rush in Wyoming Spurred by Wind Power
Residents are forming associations to bargain with developers looking to buy land rights for wind farms.
- In Maryland, Focus on Poultry Industry Pollution
As officials seek new rules on how farmers can spread or store chicken manure, the industry is fighting back.
- Egyptian-Born Scientist Leaves U.S. After Losing Suit
The scientist, Abdel Moniem Ali el-Ganayni, had filed a lawsuit saying the revocation of his security clearance was punishment for criticizing the Iraq war and President Bush.
- Space Shuttle Lands
The shuttle landed in the Mojave Desert, diverted from a planned Florida landing by low clouds and high crosswinds.
