Mouse Senses Magnetic Fields Possibly via Quantum Processes
Some organisms’ internal compasses relay direction via magnetic iron crystals, but in wood mice and birds, a totally different compass seems to rely on quantum processes
The Amtrak Derailment and Newton's First Law
If speed was the problem, then here is the physics of what may have happened
How a Wire Was Used to Measure a Tiny Force of Gravity
The crowning achievement of the 18th-century researcher was the design of the first experiment to measure the force of gravity between masses in a lab
Pitcher Plant Captures Prey in Batches
A design flaw in the carnivorous plant could be its greatest asset
Can Winter De-Icers Go Completely Green?
Additives to road salt designed to make it more environmentally friendly might still have tradeoffs
Meteorite Bears Evidence of Magnetic Fields in Early Solar System
New research shows that magnetic fields played a role in the solar system's formation
How to Win Friends and Influence Ducklings
How should you treat your ducks? The answer is mired in duckling politics
Impact Craters May Have Cradled Life on Earth
Asteroid and comet impacts could have destroyed some habitats for life while also creating new ones for bacteria
Why Winter Endurance Athletes Compete In So Many Races
Athletes often are able to race again just days later in part because winter sports typically involve less pounding of the joints
Why Speed Skaters Perform Better at Higher Elevations
Sochi's elevation makes speed-skating world records unlikely
What Happens When 10 Inches of Snow Isn't 10 Inches?
Rudimentary technology for measuring snow depth gets an update with new gauges, lasers, GPS and wind shields
Computers Can Be Hacked Using High-Frequency Sound
A computer's microphone and speakers can covertly send and receive data
Nocturnal Animals Take Chances on Moonlit Dinners
Small animals are more active under the full moon when large hunters strangely tend to lie low
Study Finds Most Drug Commercials Misleading
Ads for over-the-counter drugs are worse than those that require a prescription
Trouble Sleeping? Go Camping
Artificial light sources can negatively affect circadian rhythms, scientists say
Scientists Plant False Memories in Mice--and Mice Buy It
Activation of neurons during memory formation is sufficient for an animal to later recall that memory
Statistics and Magnetic Socks Shape Modern Tae Kwon Do
A new effort to college data could bring more order to this "messy" martial art
GPS "Junk" Data Reveals Dangerous Volcanic Plumes
The new approach for detecting ash-filled clouds could make air travel safer
Stress Makes Gorilla Glass Stronger
Gorilla Glass's residual stress can be explained by observing how the motion of individual atoms affects the entire system of the material
Shape-Shifting Bat Tongue Mops Up Nectar
Blood-engorged hairs help bats eat
Cicada Wings Are Self-Cleaning
Droplets of water combine, and then jump from the insect's water-repellent wings
The Mathematical Butterfly: Simulations Provide New Insights on Flight
Butterflies face more bumpy, turbulent skies than previously thought. Insights into their flight could help make micro-aerial vehicles more maneuverable
Fish Uses Chemical Cloaking to Hide from Prey
The pirate perch species is found to be able to mask its proximity from potential targets, suggesting that more organisms have this ability than previously thought
A Quantum Leap for Basketball "Bracketology"
Some physicists are relying on a phenomenon called superposition to fill in their NCAA men's basketball tournament selections