Catherine Griffin : Science World Report

Jul 24, 2013 08:20 AM EDT

Scientists Control Genes with Light: New Method for Understanding Function

Genes make up the roadmaps of our bodies, revealing exactly how we function. Controlling these genes could allow us to learn more about them, possibly revealing new insight into diseases. Now, researchers may have a way to do so. Scientists have developed a technique that can rapidly or halt the exp...

Jul 24, 2013 07:43 AM EDT

New Super Strong Species of Hero Shrew Discovered in Africa

A new species of Hero Shrew has been discovered in Africa. Only weighing about two ounces, you'd think that this mammal wouldn't be all that strong--but you might be surprised. With one of the most bizarre lower spines on Earth, this mammal is known for having a bone structure that's one of the stro...

Jul 24, 2013 06:59 AM EDT

New Record for Cosmic X-Rays Sighted: 3XMM Catalogue Created

Astronomers may have a new, valuable resource when it comes to exploring the universe. Scientists have created an unprecedented X-ray catalogue after they set a new record for the most cosmic X-ray sources ever sighted.

Jul 24, 2013 06:59 AM EDT

Mussels' Tenacious, Sticky Threads Could Create New Era of Medical Materials

Mussels cling onto hard surfaces, tiny strands grabbing tenaciously onto rough rocks and cement. Now, scientists have uncovered exactly how mussels accomplish this feat. They've revealed the secret behind a mussel's threads, which could allow them to create new medical materials.

Jul 23, 2013 01:58 PM EDT

Declining Aerosols to Blame for Rapid Subtropical Ocean Warming

The subtropical oceans in the Southern Hemisphere are warming rapidly as the climate changes. Now, scientists may have pinpointed why the water's temperature is rising so quickly. It turns out that, surprisingly, declining aerosols could be linked to the current issue.

Jul 23, 2013 01:08 PM EDT

Scientists Create Self-Assembling Materials: Dancing Magnetic Water Droplets (Video)

Self-assembling materials could be a huge asset to future technological applications. Now, scientists have created some. They've placed water droplets containing magnetic nanoparticles on strong water repellent structures to make them align in various static and dynamic structures using periodically...

Jul 23, 2013 12:24 PM EDT

Physicists Discover Shape-Shifting Particles: Muon Neutrinos Transform

It's a new breakthrough when it comes to particle physics. Scientists have made the first definitive observation of the transformation of muon neutrinos to electron neutrinos. This type of neutrino oscillation has never been seen before and could help researchers explore a fundamental question of sc...

Jul 23, 2013 11:19 AM EDT

Environmental Toxins Discovered in Polar Bear Brains: Chemical Danger for Wildlife

Polar bears are in trouble--and not just from climate change. Researchers have found that environmental toxins are seeping into the brain tissue of these charismatic mammals, potentially causing unforeseen side effects as they enter the Arctic food chain.

Jul 23, 2013 10:39 AM EDT

Rare Corpse Flower in US Capitol Isn't the Only Stinky Bloom in the World

A rare flower has finally bloomed in the U.S. Capitol at the U.S. Botanic Garden. With its massive, red-brown petals, this plant isn't known for its beauty. Instead, it's known for its stench, which smells a bit like a rotting corpse. But this isn't the only plant that uses a repulsive smell. There ...

Jul 23, 2013 09:54 AM EDT

Climate Change May Cause Pacific Coral Reef Fish to Drop by 20 Percent

There will be winners and losers when it comes to climate change. Unfortunately for Pacific islands, they may be some of the losers as temperatures shift and weather conditions change. Scientists have discovered that coral reef fish, which are an essential source of food for islanders, could drop by...

Jul 23, 2013 09:10 AM EDT

New Microchips Mimic Brain's Information Processing in Real Time

Could computer chips mimic the human brain? Apparently they can. Scientists have unveiled new microchips that can imitate the brain's information processing in real time.

Jul 23, 2013 08:29 AM EDT

Climate Change Forecasts Can Predict Crop Failures: New Tool for Farmers

There may be a new tool for farmers. Scientists have discovered that climate data can help predict some crop failures several months before harvest. This could have huge implications for the future of farming and could allow for better preparations in the future.