Leonard Lerman, DNA scientist, dies at 87
The man who shaped our theories about how DNA encodes information for proteins died in mid-September.
Academics
Teachers’ strikes are illegal in most states
In case you're wondering about the legality of teachers' strikes, they are legal in Illinois and 12 other states. But that's all, primarily because most state legislatures have put education on par with police and fire protection as essential services provided by government.
Strange conditions placed on press embargo of research
An embargo imposed on the press by people promoting a study about the harmful effects of genetically modified organisms reveals a hidden agenda to block reporting by free and independent news organizations.
Bacteria have consumed 200k tons of oil in gulf
Researchers have found that at least 200,000 tons of oil and natural gas from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has been consumed by naturally-occurring bacteria.
Mars orbiter finds evidence of dry ice snowfalls
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has detected carbon dioxide in clouds above the planet's surface, suggesting that dry ice may have fallen as "snow" to the planet's surface.
Genetic test may be able to predict autism
Researchers in Australia, using US data, say they may have found a way to use a genetic test to predict the possibility that a child will develop autism spectrum disorder.
A Springfield HS has high hopes for 2nd year of grant
Hopes are high for progress in the second year of Lanphier High School's federal School Improvement Grant. Sign up to volunteer to help them meet their goal.
Private suborbital space flight to launch from Kennedy
A company that develops spacecrafts that can achieve a suborbital altitude of about 100 km will be able to launch the private space flights from the Shuttle Landing Facility at Cape Canaveral.
We’re learning more about currents in the oceans
Ocean currents, the driving force behind storms like Isaac, which may soon be upgraded to a hurricane, are better understood, thanks to the work of a team of scientists at Florida State and MIT.
Restoring wetlands after centuries of farming in the Piney Run watershed
A win for the environment, a win for a farmer, and a win for developers all come at once when an environmental restoration company in Maryland gets into the act and works their magic.