Catherine Griffin : Science World Report

Oct 19, 2013 07:53 AM EDT

New Image Reveals Comet ISON Sticks Together as it Hurtles Toward Sun

Comet ISON could be the comet of the century as it hurtles toward our sun. Now, though, a new image of the sunward plunging ISON seems to show that the comet is intact despite some predictions that the fragile icy nucleus might disintegrate as our nearest star warms it.

Oct 19, 2013 07:47 AM EDT

Warmer Pacific Ocean Temperatures Mean More Tornados in US

Scientists may have found a way to predict these dangerous wind storms. It turns out that the temperature in the Pacific Ocean can help researchers determined the type and location of tornado activity in the U.S.

Oct 19, 2013 07:36 AM EDT

Low Dietary Fiber Increases Cardiovascular Risks in Adults

Do you get enough fiber in your diet? If you don't, your health may be affected in more ways than you might think. Scientists have discovered that there's a significant association between low dietary fiber intake and cardiometabolic risks including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular inflammation an...

Oct 18, 2013 12:27 PM EDT

American Regions Have Different Personalities: Friendly to Uninhibited

What's your personality type? It may all depend on where you live. Scientists have discovered that Americans with similar temperaments are so likely to live in the same areas that a map of the country can be divided into regions with distinct personalities.

Oct 18, 2013 11:17 AM EDT

New Advances in Engineering a 'Wildly New Genome'

Scientists have taken a leap forward when it comes to biotechnology. In two projects, they've created new genomes inside the bacterium E. coli in ways that test the limits of genetic reprogramming. The findings could increase the flexibility, productivity and safety in biotechnology.

Oct 18, 2013 10:44 AM EDT

Neanderthals, Like Ancient Humans, Used Toothpicks to Alleviate Tooth Pain

When you go to a restaurant, you can often find toothpicks lurking next to the tray of mints. These simple pieces of wood have been used for millions of years in order to help with oral hygiene. Now, though, researchers have discovered humans weren't the only ones who used toothpicks in the distant ...

Oct 18, 2013 10:18 AM EDT

The Importance of Sleep: Brain Flushes Out Toxins During the Night

Sleep may be more important than you may have thought. Scientists have discovered that a good night's rest may clear the mind--literally. The space between brain cells may increase during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins that build up during waking hours.

Oct 18, 2013 09:50 AM EDT

How 'Fat' Black Holes Grow Up: Virtual Observatory Reveals Mutual Galaxy Interaction

Supermassive black holes the size of more than one million solar masses exist at the center of most galaxies. Yet scientists have long wondered how these massive black holes get so "fat." Now, they may have found an explanation. It turns out that mutual interaction between galaxies could lead to the...

Oct 18, 2013 08:59 AM EDT

Gravitational Waves Reveal How Supermassive Black Holes Gain Weight

Supermassive black holes are located in the centers of large galaxies. For years, though, astronomers have wondered exactly how these black holes grow to be so big. Now, scientists may have discovered the answer behind their astounding size by using CSIRO's Parkes radio telescope in eastern Australi...

Oct 18, 2013 08:27 AM EDT

Frog-Killing Fungus Paralyzes Vulnerable Amphibian Immune Response

Amphibians are declining across the globe. Now, scientists have found something else that may be impacting amphibians. There's a fungus that's killing them that releases a toxic factor that disables the amphibian immune response.

Oct 18, 2013 07:39 AM EDT

Different Human Species Crossed Wallace's Line to Interbreed with Modern Population

Were humans all one species? A recent finding seems to think so. But the jury may still be out when it comes to our ancient ancestors. Scientists have proposed that the most recently discovered ancient human relatives, the Denisovans, somehow managed to cross one of the world's most prominent marine...

Oct 17, 2013 01:35 PM EDT

Astronomers Discover Most Distant Gravitational Lens Yet

Astronomers have discovered the most distant gravitational lens yet, a galaxy that deflects and intensifies the light of an even more distant object. The finding has now provided the scientists with a rare opportunity to directly measure the mass of a distant galaxy and reveals that these lenses may...