Science
First images taken of extrasolar planets
By Hector Cordon, 1 December 2008
In the last month, two teams of astronomers have for the first time directly imaged planets orbiting stars outside the solar system. This breakthrough is expected to foster further discoveries and deepen our understanding of what constitutes a planet and how they are formed.
More Science Articles
Australian biotechnology company enforces cancer gene patent, restricting medical scanning
By Frank Gaglioti, 28 November 2008
Biotechnology firm Genetic Technologies has moved to enforce its patent over two critical genes implicated in the development of breast and ovarian cancer, shutting down genetic scanning on potential cancer victims in publicly funded facilities.
Behind the creationism controversy at Britain’s Royal Society
By Paul Mitchell, 17 October 2008
Last month, the Royal Society’s education director, Professor Michael Reiss, was forced to resign for advocating, at the very least, the teaching of creationism alongside evolution in school science classes.
Neanderthals and modern humans—a key to understanding human evolution
Part 1; Part 2
By William Moore, October 3, 2008
Two recent announcements of research into the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans tend to add weight to the interpretation that the ancestors of these two human lineages parted genetic company quite a long time ago. Furthermore, these results support the view that human evolution has been characterized by numerous branches and many dead ends.
World’s largest particle accelerator begins operations
Scientists to gain greater understanding of the mysteries of the universe
By Dan Conway, September 25, 2008
On September 10, scientists at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, successfully sent a beam of protons around a 17-mile ring overlapping the borders of France and Switzerland. This marked the beginning of the largest, most ambitious science experiment in all of human history, the Large Hadron Collider. It is the product of the cumulative effort of over ten thousand scientists and engineers from more than 80 countries and 500 universities.
Mars Phoenix Lander provides conclusive proof of ice water on Mars
By Robert Stevens, August 9, 2008
The Mars Phoenix Lander landed on the planet on May 25. It has begun to return vital information taken from the soil samples, including the conclusive discovery of water ice, as it analyses the chemical composition of the planet.
A letter and reply on Mars landing
Einstein letter sold for record sum
Part 1; Part 2
By Ann Talbot and Chris Talbot, June 23, 2008
A two-part article on Albert Einstein and his views on religion.
Phoenix spacecraft lands near Mars polar icecap
By Patrick Martin, May 30, 2008
In the first successful powered landing on Mars in 32 years, the Mars Phoenix Lander touched down on the surface of the planet Sunday, May 26, near the edge of its northern polar icecap.
Britain: Science cuts threaten Jodrell Bank radio telescope
By Robert Stevens, April 17, 2008
The Labour government of Prime Mister Gordon Brown is pushing ahead with unprecedented cuts in the UK science budget, with many critical programmes and facilities now threatened.
US blocks scientific report on Arctic environment
By Niall Green, February 5, 2008
The United States has prevented the full release of a major new assessment of the impact of oil and gas drilling in the Arctic region.
