TOP 100 CAMPING SITES
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| Trees boost air pollution--and cool temperatures--in southeast U.S. Why is the southeastern U.S. getting cooler while the rest of the globe is warming? Thank the trees, say some researchers. [More] rss.sciam.com |
Coral Fights Antibiotic Resistance Several years ago biochemists studying marine ecosystems noticed something unusual: a sponge thriving in the middle of a coral reef that was dying from a bacterial infection. The researchers identified a substance made by the sponge that defended it from harmful microbes and realized it was a natural antibacterial molecule called ageliferin. Ageliferin can break down the formation of a protective biofilm coating that bacteria use to shield themselves from threats, including antibiotic drugs.Now a team of researchers at North Carolina State University is using the natural compound to create innovative ways to fight drug-resistant bacteria. The researchers have recently tweaked the structure of ageliferin to make it more potent and formulated it to help conventional medications combat otherwise drug-resistant bacteria, such as staph and cholera. “Our chemical doesn’t stop the bugs from proliferating. It just allows the anti­biotic to work again,” says Christian Melander, a chemistry professor at the university who was part of the effort. [More] rss.sciam.com |
Try a Little Powerlessness--Pitfalls of Self-Control Self-control is one of our most cherished values. We applaud those who have the discipline to regulate their appetites and actions, and we try hard to instill this virtue in our children. Think of the marketing slogans that key off the desire for restraint: “Just say no.” “Just do it.” We celebrate the power of the mind to make hard choices, despite our emotions or other temptations, and keep us on course.But what if we can’t just do it? What if “it” is too difficult or if our strategy for success is misguided? Is it possible that willpower actually might be an obstacle rather than a means to happiness and harmony? Can we have too much of a good thing? [More] rss.sciam.com |
Earthquakes Exert Global Influence [ The following is an exact transcript of this podcast. ] A powerful earthquake beneath the Pacific triggers a tsunami that devastates Samoa and American Samoa. Another powerful temblor strikes off the coast of Sumatra. But is there a connection beyond the fact that both sit on the geologically active Ring of Fire that encircles the Pacific Ocean? [More] rss.sciam.com |
Are Aesthetics a Good Reason Not to Be a Fan of Wind Power? Dear EarthTalk: I don’t understand why many people oppose wind power just because they have to look at the turbines. If you ask me, wind turbines are much nicer-looking than coal-fired, waste-to-energy or nuclear power plants. --Michael Hart, via e-mail [More] rss.sciam.com |