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Science Archive

Archives for October 2014

Space
Virgin Galactic’s space vehicle has blown up during a test flightVirgin Galactic’s space vehicle has blown up during a test flight
Space

One of the pilots has reportedly died, and the other is seriously injured.

By Joseph Stromberg
Science of Everyday Life
This is what laser tattoo removal looks likeThis is what laser tattoo removal looks like
Science of Everyday Life

Be warned: it hurts like hell.

By Joseph Stromberg
Neuroscience
This simple strategy tripled charity donationsThis simple strategy tripled charity donations
Neuroscience

Don’t want to pay a charity CEO’s salary? Neither does anyone else.

By Susannah Locke
Space
This is what North America would look like on JupiterThis is what North America would look like on Jupiter
Space

We are so very, very tiny.

By Susannah Locke
Space
An unmanned Antares rocket carrying supplies to the space station explodedAn unmanned Antares rocket carrying supplies to the space station exploded
Space

No one was injured, and the cause is still unknown.

By Joseph Stromberg
Neuroscience
One in five vegetative patients might be conscious. Can we talk to them?One in five vegetative patients might be conscious. Can we talk to them?
Neuroscience

Researchers have been using brain scans to try to listen to their thoughts.

By Susannah Locke
Science of Everyday Life
This is why flying on a plane makes you feel terribleThis is why flying on a plane makes you feel terrible
Science of Everyday Life

It turns out that sitting in a small, pressurized metal tube at 35,000 feet for several hours wreaks havoc on your body.

By Joseph Stromberg
Almanac
Scientists just found out that this comet smells like rotten eggs and horse crapScientists just found out that this comet smells like rotten eggs and horse crap
Almanac

They say its bouquet also features “the pungent, suffocating odor of formaldehdye”

By Joseph Stromberg
Neuroscience
Some of psychology’s most influential studies were also completely unethicalSome of psychology’s most influential studies were also completely unethical
Neuroscience

Researchers trained a baby to fear harmless objects. And that’s not all.

By Susannah Locke
Almanac
7 of the biggest moments in space history, captured in sound7 of the biggest moments in space history, captured in sound
Almanac

This is what a comet flyby and interstellar space actually sound like

By Joseph Stromberg
Space
There’s a partial solar eclipse Thursday afternoon. Here’s how to see itThere’s a partial solar eclipse Thursday afternoon. Here’s how to see it
Space

Good news: it’ll be viewable from pretty much anywhere in the US

By Joseph Stromberg
Genetics
There’s no scientific test that can determine your ageThere’s no scientific test that can determine your age
Genetics

But researchers can get fairly close just with a blood sample. Here’s how.

By Susannah Locke
Neuroscience
Scientists can delete and fabricate memories in mice. Are humans next?Scientists can delete and fabricate memories in mice. Are humans next?
Neuroscience

The research could someday be used to treat Alzheimer’s or PTSD.

By Susannah Locke
Almanac
Cats are selfish, unfeeling, environmentally harmful creaturesCats are selfish, unfeeling, environmentally harmful creatures
Almanac

The scientific case against owning a cat.

By Joseph Stromberg
Neuroscience
How scientists are studying consciousness — with mirrors, electrodes, and anesthesiaHow scientists are studying consciousness — with mirrors, electrodes, and anesthesia
Neuroscience

And they’ve come up with some intriguing results.

By Susannah Locke