Catherine Griffin : Science World Report

Nov 18, 2013 09:19 AM EST

Scientists Create Tiny Holograms with New Metasurface Technology

Scientists have officially created tiny holograms. How exactly? They've used a "metasurface" capable of the ultra-efficient control of light, representing a potential new technology for advanced sensors, high-resolution displays and information processing.

Nov 18, 2013 08:16 AM EST

Comet ISON Bursts into Action: Spectacular Display Forecast for Thanksgiving

Comet ISON has officially burst into a spectacular display. Now inside the orbit of the Earth as it plunges headlong toward the sun for a fiery close encounter on Nov. 28th, the comet is putting on a good show for astronomers--especially after an outburst on Nov. 13-14 that boosted the comet's brigh...

Nov 18, 2013 07:36 AM EST

Two Galaxies Masqueraded as One: New Image Unveils Illusion

It turns out that two galaxies have been tricking astronomers for years. What looked like a colossal jet shooting away from a galaxy turned out to be an illusion. New data from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) revealed that two galaxies, one lying behind the other, have been masquerading as...

Nov 16, 2013 09:41 AM EST

Is Creativity Declining Among Young Americans?

Are young Americans losing their creativity? Research in recent years has suggested just that, seeming to show that they're less creative now in decades past--despite the fact that intelligence, as measured by IQ tests, continues to rise. Now, though, researchers have discovered that the dynamics of...

Nov 16, 2013 09:41 AM EST

Molecule Critical to Healing Wounds May Help Speed Healing Process

When you're injured, an open wound can leave you vulnerable to viruses, bacteria and parasites. Now, scientists have discovered a clearer explanation of the role of one of the players in the wound-healing process, providing researchers with a possible new target for drugs that could help speed up th...

Nov 16, 2013 09:41 AM EST

Outsmarting the Destructive Mountain Pine Beetle: Saving the Lodgepole Forests

The mountain pine beetle is nothing to mess with. The destructive insect is killing off lodgepole pine forests and has even extended its reach to jack pine forests. Now, scientists are looking for an effective bait to get ahead of the spread of this beetle, which could help save forests in the futur...

Nov 15, 2013 01:41 PM EST

Amazon Rainforest Faces Drought, but Could Fight Against Dry Conditions

Dry conditions may impact the Amazon rainforest in the future. Yet it seems like this biodiverse region may be able to handle potential drought better than expected. Scientists have discovered that, provided forest conservation measures are in place, the Amazon rainforest should be able to withstand...

Nov 15, 2013 10:55 AM EST

Evolution Selects for Evolvability: Adaptation in Changing Environments

Evolution doesn't operate with a goal in mind, but it does seem to select for evolvability. Scientists have discovered that organisms that have a greater capacity to evolve are likely to fare better in rapidly changing environments, which suggests that evolution may favor characteristics that increa...

Nov 15, 2013 10:24 AM EST

World's Most Irreplaceable Protected Areas Identified in New Study

As our climate changes and as species disappear, it's important to identify what areas should be protected to make the most impact. Now, scientists have identified the protected areas most critical to preventing extinctions of the world's mammals, birds and amphibians. This could aid future fights a...

Nov 15, 2013 09:31 AM EST

Wind Energy Turbines Killed More Than 600,000 Bats in 2012

A new study has revealed that wind turbines may be deadlier than expected. It turns out that more than 600,000 bats were killed by wind energy turbines in 2012, a serious blow to creatures who pollinate crops and help control flying insects.

Nov 15, 2013 09:01 AM EST

Fighting Fires with Models: Wildfire Growth Combated with New Forecast Method

Wildfires are continues to increase as the climate changes. Now, scientists have taken the next step when it comes to predicting these fires. They've developed a new computer modeling technique that offers the promise of producing continually updated daylong predictions of wildfire growth throughout...

Nov 15, 2013 08:08 AM EST

NASA Hubble Telescope Captures Spectacular New Image of Brilliant Globular Cluster

The NASA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a new, spectacular image of the globular cluster Messier 15, a gathering of very old stars that orbits the center of the Milky Way. Holding over 100,000 stars, this cluster holds the promise of hiding a rare type of black hole at its very center.