Catherine Griffin : Science World Report

Jul 31, 2013 10:49 AM EDT

Scientists Discover Connecticut-Sized Dead Zone Smaller Than Expected

Each year, the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone appears as oxygen is leeched from the water. The large swathe of dead ocean can stretch for miles, affecting fish populations and, consequently, fisheries in the area. Now, scientists have found that this year's dead zone measures 5,840 square miles, making ...

Jul 31, 2013 10:06 AM EDT

Price of Anarchy: Controlling Contagion by Restricting Travel During an Epidemic

During an epidemic, contagious diseases can spread between cities and countries faster than ever. Now, scientists have taken a look at these modes of transportation, revealing that contagion rates could be controlled in densely populated areas as long as travel was restricted. They've linked the gam...

Jul 31, 2013 09:15 AM EDT

Scientists Discover New Species of Adorable Dwarf Lemur in Madagascar

Madagascar harbors plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. Now, researchers have discovered a new species of lemur on the island, revealing that there are still new creatures that have yet to be discovered.

Jul 31, 2013 08:20 AM EDT

North Pole Not Underwater, But Arctic Ice Still Melting

It may look like the North Pole is underwater, but apparently that's normal--really. Scientists are speaking out about the picture that sparked a media frenzy over the past few weeks, revealing that in this case, a picture isn't necessarily worth a thousand words.

Jul 31, 2013 07:32 AM EDT

'Runaway Greenhouse' Stage Can Overheat Planets: It's Easier Than You Might Think

Some planets have scorched, dry surfaces, inhospitable to life. Now, scientists have discovered that it might be easier than previously thought for a planet to overheat into this uninhabitable "runaway greenhouse" stage.

Jul 31, 2013 07:03 AM EDT

Tiny Forest 'Monsters' Named after Mayan Demons: 33 New Species of Ants

One biologist has identified 33 new species of "monster" ants, naming the insects after ancient Mayan lords and demons.

Jul 30, 2013 12:38 PM EDT

Chemical Component Protection Helped Start Life on Earth

Life first began on Earth billions of years ago. Exactly how it began, though, still remains uncertain. Now, scientists have discovered that the chemical components crucial to the start of life on Earth may have primed and protected each other in never-before-realized ways.

Jul 30, 2013 11:20 AM EDT

Cells in the Human Body Detect Different Forms of Happiness

Can the cells in our body detect how happy we are? Apparently they can. Scientists have discovered that human bodies recognize at the molecular level that not all happiness is created equal and that the sense of well-being derived from a "noble" purpose" may provide cellular health benefits.

Jul 30, 2013 10:37 AM EDT

Physicists Describe Superfluid Turbulence with Black Hole Mathematics

Superfluids are amazing substances, moving like a completely frictionless liquid. Now, physicists have taken a closer look at these superfluids, coming up with a mathematic way to describe them and the turbulent flow within them by looking at black holes.

Jul 30, 2013 10:23 AM EDT

Social Amoeba Farmer Uses Two Different Bacteria for 'Crop' Raising

Scientists have discovered the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is actually a type of farmer, picking up edible bacteria and moving them to new locations before harvesting them like crops.

Jul 30, 2013 09:07 AM EDT

3D Printing Could Become Mainstream: Make it Yourself to Save (Video)

3D printing may be coming out of the lab and into your living room. At least, that's what one scientist believes. New research shows that 3D printing could save American consumers thousands of dollars, which could be the incentive needed for it to enter the mainstream in a big way.

Jul 30, 2013 08:21 AM EDT

Astronomers Capture Supermassive Black Hole Spin: How Galaxies Grow

Supermassive black holes can be found in the center of galaxies, driving enormous forces that shape the space around them. Now, astronomers have found a new way to measure the spin of these black holes, paving the way for a better understanding about how they drive the growth of galaxies.