In search of gravitational waves
Two projects are under way to detect an elusive phenomenon that are thought to be produced by violent events in outer space
Wanderlust heats up the blood of some fish
Biologists have found that some fish evolved into warm-blooded creatures because their adventurous ancestors were exposed to large temperature …
Correcting the Leaning Tower's tilt
A Chinese architect claims he can stop the Leaning Tower of Pisa from tilting further, and even bring it back to the original angle of tilt.
Venus' volcanoes have lost their fire
Scientists in Arizona say the latest satellite images from Venus indicate very little volcanic activity has taken place on the planet after a …
Giving the art of mimicry a new meaning
In order to propagate its own species, a parasitic fungus attacks mustard plants and transforms their leaves, making them look like flowers of …
Moon keeps Earth's tilt in check
Scientists say the Moon exerts a moderating influence on variations in the Earth's obliquity or tilt and this has a direct effect on our climate.
Turning on the sexually fastidious female
Recent studies confirm the reason why the males of many species have unusual or elaborate physical features is to attract the opposite sex.
Infant death linked to child-rearing habits
The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is more frequent among children in the West than in Asia. Researchers say a difference in child-care …
Penguins gauge sea resources for scientists
Scientists are relying on the emperor penguins to find out the state of sea resources in the inhospitable Antarctic region.
Computer screens edge books off the shelves
More and more libraries are incorporating computer networks in their effort to reach the entire world.
Is Cauvery a composite river?
Scientists think an upsurge of land may have brought two rivers together to form what is today the Cauvery.
Male flowers enhance pollination
Plants normally have only bisexual flowers. Some species, however, also produce male flowers to make the dispersal of pollen more efficient.
Smoke gets in your eyes - and forms cataracts
The oxidising property of cigarette and chulha smoke is one of the factors being linked by researchers to the formation of eye cataract.
Eight hearts do the work of one
US scientists postulate the Barosaurus needed more than one heart to pump blood throughout its 15-metre height
Air losing self-cleaning ability
Recent studies indicate increasing pollution may be hampering the atmosphere's inherent cleansing abilty
Perfecting crystals
When cultivated in gravity-free space, crystals have more perfect protien structures that help help in designing better drugs
New gene promises kidney stone cure
Scientists have isolated a gene that can break down oxalic acid, the primary culprit that damages tissue and leaves the victim gasping in pain
Confronting cholera in Peru
The year-long cholera epidemic in Peru refocussed scientific attention worldwide on the causes of the disease and the various strains of cholera …
Climate changes alter height of Himalayan range
The average height of the Himalay has been going down over the last two million years because of climatic changes, surveys indicate.
Yeast genes spring surprise on scientists
Chromosome III in yeast, the first to have its DNA fully described, opened up a wealth of new genes whose functions are completely unknown
Learning from lasagne
Porous layers of slurry, zapped with electricity, may revolutionise the treatment of contaminated clay soils
What shaped human intelligence?
Scientists are trying to uncover the adaptive pressures that transformed primates into intelligent humans
Spin-off to space
The billion-dollar Star Wars programme lies abandoned, but the technology will now be used to combat asteroids
The strength of the future
Composite materials, which can be tailored to specifications and strengths and ultimately replace even steel, have come of age in India.
It's mama's fault
Scientists suggest a disorder that causes periods of ecstasy and depression is passed on through mothers.