Microbe Outbreak Panics Europe  

Spread of rare strain raises questions over surveillance of infectious diseases.

Treatment is Prevention  

Drug treatment for HIV infection is effective in preventing its spread, but implementing this fully will require more resources, says leading NIH scientist.

German Outbreak Caused by Previously Unknown Strain  

Genome sequence gives clues to microbe's sticking power.

Subterranean Worms from Hell  

New species of nematode discovered more than a kilometre underground.

German Outbreak Leads to Drug Trial  

Timely discovery of new use for expensive drug put to the test.

How to Make a Human Neuron  

Researchers have worked out how to reprogram cells from human skin into functioning nerve cells.

No Wind? No Problem  

Hurdles to integrating a variable supply of renewable energy into power grids are lower than most experts think.

Mammalian Brain Followed a Scented Evolutionary Trail  

Digital scans suggest mammals have their ancestors to thank for their keen sense of smell.

NASA Ready to Test the Waters  

Satellite mission to monitor ocean salinity may help solve climate questions.

First Signs of Ozone-hole Recovery Spotted  

Antarctic ozone layer bouncing back after the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons.

How Green is My Future?  

UN panel foresees big growth in renewable energy, but policies will dictate just how big.

The Evolutionary Tree of Fungi Grows a New Branch  

Fungi found in UK pond could be part of a previously undiscovered — and extremely diverse — phylum.

Infection Hits US Teaching Labs  

Wave of infections triggers investigation into biosafety practices.

Methane Threat to Drinking Water  

Fracturing rock to extract natural gas boosts methane in nearby water wells.

Climate Change Curbs Crops  

Warming has already lowered yields of wheat and corn.

US Stem-cell Funding Ban Overturned  

Appeals court decision bodes well for continued NIH support of controversial research.

Keeping Memories Sharp  

Researchers home in on structures that help the brain avoid faulty recall.

Seafloor Probe Taps Methane Reservoir  

Greenhouse gas found in high abundance but risk of mass release uncertain.

Surreptitious Sleep States Uncovered  

Sleep-deprived rats suggest sleep is not necessarily a whole-brain phenomenon.

April 26, 2011

Ants Team Up to Stay Dry  

Fire ant colonies form water-repellent rafts to escape floods.

Deepwater Horizon: One Year On  

What is the state of the Gulf of Mexico one year after the Deepwater Horizon blowout began?

Mercury Rising  

Museum specimens reveal build-up of heavy metal in the Albatross. 

Radiation Release Will Hit Marine Life  

Researchers call for extensive surveys to gauge ecological effects of Fukushima.

Fukushima Set for Epic Clean-up  

Latest data suggest a Chernobyl-like effort will be needed.

US Science Agencies Brace for Shutdown  

As a budget deadline looms, researchers fear setbacks and lost opportunities.

Algae Biodiversity Cleans Streams  

The more species a habitat holds, the faster pollutants are removed from the water.

Antarctic Microbes Live Life to the Extreme  

Chilean Antarctic survey finds dramatic variety of organisms adapted to unusual conditions.