Paleontology

Scientists Discover New Dinosaur Species in S. Africa

ABC News (Free subscription) | 10 hours ago

Dino species dating back 200 million years found in S. Africa, scientists say. Species - Africa - Dinosaur - Paleontology - Earth Sciences

Q: How do you sex a Smilodon? (A: Very carefully)

Laelaps (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

A very lion-like Smilodon , from Ernest Ingersoll's The Life of Animals (1907). For decades after its discovery the saber-toothed cat Smilodon fatalis was depicted as little more than a lion with a short tail and long fangs. Given its size and habits as a large carnivore the connection appeared to make sense, but recent studies have suggested that Smilodon was quite different from the "king of...

Unsettled Youth: Spitzer Observes A Chaotic Planetary System

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

Before our planets found their way to the stable orbits they circle in today, they wiggled and jostled about like unsettled children. Now, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has found a young star with evidence for the same kind of orbital hyperactivity. Young planets circling the star are thought to be disturbing smaller comet-like bodies, causing them to collide and kick up a huge halo of dust.

Lasers Put A Shine On Metals

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

Polishing metal surfaces is a demanding but monotonous task, and it is difficult to find qualified young specialists. Polishing machines do not represent an adequate alternative because they cannot get to difficult parts of the surface. A new solution is provided by laser polishers.

Super-fast Quantum Computer Gets Ever Closer: Quantum Particles Pinned Down

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

Researchers have succeeded in getting hold of the environment of a quantum particle. This allows them to exercise greater control over a single electron, and brings the team of researchers a step closer still to the super-fast quantum computer.

Boat Tail Reduces Truck Fuel Consumption By 7.5 Percent

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

A boat tail, a tapering protrusion mounted on the rear of a truck, leads to fuel savings of 7.5 percent. This is due to dramatically improved aerodynamics, as shown by road tests conducted by the Dutch PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport) public-private partnership platform.

Dangers Of Incapacitating Chemical Weapons And Widespread Misuse Of Riot Control Agents

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

Seven years ago, Russian Security Forces employed a secret incapacitating chemical weapon in their attempt to free 800 hostages held in a Moscow theatre by armed Chechen fighters. Over 120 hostages were killed by the incapacitant and many more continue to suffer long term health problems. Despite reports of further Russian research and use of incapacitants, the international community has refused to...

How Size Matters For Catalysts: Study Links Size, Activity, Electronic Properties

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

University of Utah chemists demonstrated the first conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface, their electronic properties and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study is a step toward the goal of designing cheaper, more efficient catalysts to increase energy production, reduce Earth-warming gases and manufacture a wide variety of goods from medicines to gasoline....

• Utah Researchers Find Strong Correlation Between Size of Catalyst Particles and Their Electronic Structure and Activity; Potential For Less Expensive, More Efficient Catalysts - Eco Friendly Mag

New Plastic Optical Fiber Technology May Revolutionize High Speed Last-mile Communication Networks

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/09/2009

It may look like little more than fishing line, but plastic optical fiber or POF promises to revolutionize high-speed last-mile communications networks.

MESSENGER Spacecraft Reveals More Hidden Territory On Mercury

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/08/2009

A NASA spacecraft gliding over the battered surface of Mercury for the second time this year has revealed more previously unseen real estate on the innermost planet. The probe also has produced several science firsts and is returning hundreds of new photos and measurements of the planet's surface, atmosphere and magnetic field.

Cassini Makes Successful Flight Through Plume Of Saturn's Moon Enceladus

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/08/2009

The Cassini spacecraft has weathered the Monday, Nov. 2, flyby of Saturn's moon Enceladus in good health and has been sending images and data of the encounter back to Earth. Cassini had approached Enceladus more closely before, but this passage took the spacecraft on its deepest plunge yet through the heart of the plume shooting out from the south polar region. Scientists are eagerly sifting through...

Bogus E-mails 'From' FDIC Link Computer Users To Viruses, Says Computer Forensics Expert

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/07/2009

Cyber criminals are using fake messages claiming to be from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to deliver a virus capable of stealing unsuspecting victims' bank passwords and other sensitive personal information, says a computer forensics specialist.

1930s Drug Slows Tumor Growth: Gonorrhea Medication Might Help Fight Cancer

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/07/2009

Drugs sometimes have beneficial side effects. A glaucoma treatment causes luscious eyelashes. A blood pressure drug also aids those with a rare genetic disease. The newest surprise discovered by researchers is a gonorrhea medication that might help battle cancer.

• 1930s Drug Slows Tumor Growth - Red Orbit

The Skeleton: Size Matters; New Role For Master Patterning Genes In Defining Number Of Vertebrae In Spine

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/07/2009

It has long been known that the identity of each vertebra is due to the activation of a class of genes called "Hox." Now, researchers in Portugal show that besides determining the identity of the vertebrae, Hox genes also have a say in how many are going to be formed at all.

Capturing Those In-between Moments: Timing Problem In Molecular Modeling Solved

Science Daily (Free subscription) | 11/07/2009

A theoretical physicist has developed a method for calculating the motions and forces of thousands of atoms simultaneously over a wider range of time scales than previously possible. The method overcomes a longstanding timing gap in modeling nanometer-scale materials and many other physical, chemical and biological systems at atomic and molecular levels.