A long step forward in nerve communications
Agrin, a protein released by nerve cells, helps in triggering off the formation of a machinery through which neurons communicate.
Geysers can help predict quakes
Erratic eruptions of gushing hot springs have been recorded before the occurrence of tremors. Though scientists are not sure why this happens, …
Dead brain cells may be replaceable
Certain mouse brain cells have been found to be capable of producing neurons. Scientists say if similar cells are found to exist in the human …
New theory explains the evolution of sexes
An Oxford biologist says sexes exist to prevent chaos within cells during reproduction. And why only two sexes? Because life would get too …
And now, "calculating" babies
Babies less than six months old have the surprising abilities to distinguish shapes, sizes and colours. Now, a study indicates infants can even …
Scientists seek clues to properties of water
A molecular theory is being put forward to explain why water behaves the way it does, but proof still eludes the researchers.
Caught between athletes and technology
Technology is taking sports to new highs, triggering a debate on whether competitions should be between people or between machines.
Learning Sanskrit on computers
A software programme project that will be a boon to those who want to learn Sanskrit is threatened by a lack of funds.
The magic eye
Sounds almost like a sci-fi movie, but there is light in the dark for those who have lost their eyesight. A high-tech curing device is on the anvil
Following falcon flights
Scientists can now effectively trace the routes taken by peregrine falcons on their lengthy autumnal trips. Satellite transmitters are helping …
On a small scale
From micro-bugs to micro-cars, Japanese researchers are redefining the way things are manufactured
Far but near
Detection of two galaxies that are unassociated with a quasar raise further questions about galactic evolution
In the fast track
Women athletes are now in a position to give their male counterparts a run for their position. Endurance-based sports already find women in a …
Comfort above the clouds
Three new inventions by nasa are sure to make life a little easier in space
Skilful manipulation
A research group has measured the electric resistance of wires with a single xenon atom and two xenon atoms in series; the results call for some …
Hey, how old are you?
The age of a newly discovered galaxy defies the predictions of the standard cosmological model, meaning some more work for the theoreticians
Back to the front
After being completely ousted following the advent of transistors, vacuum tubes are again finding a lot of uses in electronic gadgets
Super conduct
The potential benefits of compounds that behave as superconductors at slightly higher temperatures, has spurred a lot of research activity in the …
Your own seismograph
With the help of a cheap seismograph you can now monitor quakes, small or large, without taking the trouble of moving out of your backyard
Hitting rock-bottom
Certain rocks, discovered literally in the pits of the earth, could substantially change the prevailing tectonic theory
On your palms
Better customer service, more convenience for the salesperson and on-the-spot deals are now possible with the help of palmtop computers
Archaeology goes hi-tech
Scholars need not touch ancient finds to study and store them, as computers take over the arduous task
Mystery behind the dazzle
Far away from the sun but exceptionally bright, the comet Hale-Bopp has baffled a lot of scientists who are struggling to explain its strange …
Oily trap for a quark
If caught, it could spell trouble for the Standard Model of particle physics; although success has eluded most scientists, a group of relentless …
Coppering the net
Fibre optic cables,, though touted as 21st century's big hope, can still be given a run by the copper wires in the race for providing ultra-fast …