Topic: American Association for the Advancement of Science

'God Particle': Six big consequences of the Higgs boson discovery

'God Particle': Physicists announced Thursday that they have confirmed the existence of the so-called God Particle – a term disliked by physicists and theologians alike. Here are six of the biggest consequences of this discovery.

Scientists confirm Higgs boson discovery

The particle detected last July by CERN's Large Hadron Collider is indeed the elusive Higgs boson, say researchers. The discovery completes the Standard Model of particle physics and could help predict the ultimate fate of the universe.

Shark-eating whales? Scientists identify four new whale species

Teeth of a fossilized whale called 'Willy' are severely worn down, suggesting that this previously unknown species of whale may have eaten large animals like sharks.

Medication makes fish eat more, socialize less

Fish fed extremely low concentrations of an anti-anxiety drug eat more quickly, act more boldly, and socialize less than their un-medicated peers,

Cosmic rays' mysterious origin? Supernovae to blame, study confirms.

A team of researchers found the 'unique, smoking-gun signature' of the creation of cosmic rays in the expanding shells cast off by supernovae.

Backchannels Earthquake predictions and a triumph of scientific illiteracy in an Italian court (+video)

An Italian court sentenced scientists to jail time for not having a functioning crystal ball ahead of the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila. The arguments of science and reason fell on deaf ears.

Nearly half of North America's aerosols come from Asia, Sahara

Nearly half of the tiny particles found high in the atmosphere over North America come from foreign lands, with 88 percent of that coming from Asia.

Why Einstein's special theory of relativity is probably still correct

Last year, European physicists measured a neutrino moving faster than light, in apparent violation of our current understanding of physics. Now it turns out it could be a bad measurement caused by a loose fiber optic cable. 

Gulf spill: Where did the oil go – and what did it do?

One year after the Deepwater Horizon blow-out began the worst oil spill in US history, scientists continue to investigate the effects of the oil and its residues.

Human rights: Use satellite "spy" camera for proof and prevention

From a giant "SOS" carved on the ground in Kyrgyzstan to mortar-shell spray in Sri Lanka, human rights can be served by a satellite "spy" camera for proof and prevention of atrocities.

George Clooney-backed satellite project to monitor volatile Sudan

The border between Sudan's northern and southern regions will be under near-daily satellite surveillance under a new effort backed by the UN, Google, and George Clooney.

NASA press conference about alien life? An E.T. rumor.

NASA plans a press conference today at 2 p.m. to discuss an astrobiology finding. The Internet buzz is that alien life was found on Titan. Not entirely true, according to reporters who have seen the research.

US trains nuclear detectives to trace 'loose' nukes

As nuclear safety concerns rise, the US government is building a stable of nuclear detectives – offering summer internships to those interested in radiochemistry nuclear forensics.

As Climate Change debate wages on, scientists turn to Hollywood for help

Politicians and the public question global climate change evidence, so scientists look to Hollywood and websites for a new voice. Lights, camera, science!

Scientists urge Senate action on global warming

In a move to shore up credibility for climate change science, American scientists and economists are asking the Senate to enact immediate legislation to reduce emissions related to global warming.

Why is Earth's upper atmosphere cooling?

Higher concentrations of greenhouse gases are cooling Earth's upper atmosphere while warming the planet's surface.

Scientists and the public often don't see eye to eye

Most people view scientists favorably, but the lack of scientific knowledge on controversial issues can impact policy decisions.

Americans favor science, but less than before

The share of Americans who see science as the nation's greatest achievement is down sharply, even as the public continues to hold scientists in high regard.

Engineering suddenly hot at universities

The recession and a desire to make a difference drive more students toengineering programs. But the US still faces a shortage in the profession.

Science to gain from stimulus funds, but projects must be 'beaker ready'

The first goal is to create jobs, but new technologies – and the employment that comes with them – can take time to develop.

Climate change messes with the food chain

Column: How a decline in tiny water-based plants is hurting penguin populations.

Kepler mission to hunt for planets just our size

The US will launch the Kepler spacecraft Friday to look for other Earths.

NASA's CO2 satellite tanks, unlike CO2 levels themselves

New experiments push evolution in ways Darwin never expected

Column: Advances in DNA research enhance basic concepts of evolution.

A year to celebrate the achievements of Galileo and Darwin

Column: Anniversary events mark discoveries in astronomy and evolution.