I recently took a look around my department to see what academic scientists are reading. I ignored the stacks of research papers, because I know that no-one ever gets around to reading them. It seems…

Hip, hip, hooray. The Hubble has reached its twentieth anniversary* and is  still alive and kicking. Congratulations go to NASA and ESA. And to the Hubble itself. Long live the Hubble!Chances…

I get asked a lot about Science 2.0® and why I chose to start something like ScientificBlogging.com, because science is such a niche.   Is it?  65 million people respond to surveys that…

After a decade of development, the Air Force has launched the the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on an Atlas V expendable launch vehicle, and the Internet is…

How often do you hear a song featuring Bill Nye? Well, often-- it's part of his shtick.  But to hear him remixed with 3 other science populist greats, that's a treat.  It's "We Are All…

The word "inclusion" sounds simple. In fact, though, it can mean many things to many people - which is part of the reason it's so tough to implement.   For example... There's "partial…

The primary structure of a protein also sometimes referred to as a polypeptide, is decided by sequences of amino acids. The amino acids are sequenced in a linear polypeptide chain which folds as it…

Northwestern University scientists say Eyjafjallajökull and its massive cloud of volcanic ash have impacted mobility patterns in places far from Europe -- including the United States, India and…

Most of the 350 million facebook users around the world spend more time searching for specific content than aimlessly browsing news feeds or friends lists, according to research conducted at the…

Are you overweight? Do you want to slim down? Forget about exercising and dieting because there is actually a way to magically cure poor eating habits. A new study examining the effects of…

Immunization against "swine flu" in 1976 might have partially protected some individuals from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, according to a new study in Clinical Infectious Diseases.…

High-resolution visible and thermal infrared images captured by a joint NASA-Japanese satellite sensor have provided the first clear glimpse of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull that began…

God is the origin of life. He created earth, man, and all the inhabitants of earth.     There is much argument made about the origin of life and where, how and when the earth was…

Absolutely stunning photos are now being released from NASA's new telescope, the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Over the course of its five-year mission, it will study the sun's magnetic field and also…

Sermeq Kujalleq - Jakobshavn Isbrae RetreatThe Jakobshavn Isbrae, or Jakobshavn glacier, now becoming known by its local name - Sermeq Kujalleq - has been observed retreating since about 1851. Near…

The buzz in secular circles lately has been about a TED talk by Sam Harris, the author of The End of Faith, and Letters to a Christian Nation. The title of Harris’ talk is…

My friend Peppe Liberti, a physicist and blogger from southern Italy, sent me today a amusing list of essential biographies of scientists. I wish to share them with you here, after I explain what…

Mountains And Climate When air masses move across mountains they lose moisture.  On the other side of the mountain range you tend to find desert. I thought I'd share this MODIS image which shows…

Academics are being increasingly pressured to produce 'publishable' results and The quality of scientific research may be suffering as a consequence, according to a new PLoS ONE study. The analysis…

The suggestion that famous athletes serve as role models for underage fans is "rubbish," say researchers writing in Drug and Alcohol Review. The authors found that the loutish and drunken behavior of…