Topic: Oregon State University

Humongous fleas gorged on dinosaurs, report scientists

Five to 10 times larger than today's bloodusuckers, the flea-like Mesozoic bugs whose fossils were unearthed in China are thought to have dined on feathered dinosaurs and mammals. 

Japanese tsunami debris to hit West Coast this year, sooner than expected

A new estimate suggests that debris from the Japanese tsunami will hit US coasts this year, not next year as previously thought. Who will lead the cleanup is still being worked out.

Ice age study delivers blow to global-warming skeptics

A new study finds that rising levels of carbon dioxide drove rising temperatures at the end of the last ice age. The findings contrast with previous studies, which skeptics of human-triggered global warming said showed that CO2 levels weren't an important factor. 

Increasing carbon dioxide levels ended the last ice age

Using data from ice cores and underwater sediment, new research shows that carbon dioxide emissions contributed to the temperature change at the end of Earth's last ice age.

Cohabitation before marriage? It's no greater divorce risk.

New divorce and marriage research shows that contrary to popular wisdom, cohabitation before marriage carries no extra risk of divorce - at least not when a couple plans to get married.

Is Mars sucking water from its own atmosphere?

Salty soils on Mars act to collect moisture from the Red Planet's atmosphere, according to new research. The salt and the moisture combine to create a brine that may encourage nutrients.

Are arsenic levels in apple juice too high?

Arsenic levels allowed in apple juice may be too high, but even the consumer groups that are most concerned can't agree on the right levels.

Worms from Hell: How deep do they dig?

Worms from Hell? Scientists have discovered a new species of worm called Halicephalobus mephisto in honor of Faust's demon Mephistopheles. It's the deepest living multicell organism found in the Earth.

For Super Bowl fans, an X's and O's page-turner

"Blood, Sweat and Chalk" delves into the thinking and history behind some of football's best offensive and defensive strategies.

Mohamed Osman Mohamud: The Somali teen who wanted to bomb Portland

Authorities say Mohamed Osman Mohamud acted alone in trying to bomb a Christmas tree lighting event in Portland, Ore. Details about the Somali-born teen’s life are now emerging.

Something new for your garden: Blue tomatoes

Want to grow blue tomatoes in your garden? Several new blue tomatoes should hit the market in the next year or two.

Libya's Qaddafi taps 'fossil water' to irrigate desert farms

While many countries in the Middle East and North Africa bicker over water rights, Libya has tapped into an aquifer of 'fossil water' to change its topography – turning sand into soil. The 26-year, $20 billion project is nearly finished.

Whale wars -- the uneasy hunt for a solution

An Obama plan to allow a few nations to continue hunting whales would sanction a sorry practice. But in exchange it would buy time for the majestic creatures to continue recovering in number and for outdated culinary attitudes to shift.

Global warming? Scientists find methane source in Arctic seas.

Researchers have located large emissions of the greenhouse gas methane from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf. They now want to determine if the emissions are tied to global warming.

A whole shelf full of books from the Obama family

Scientists warn of emerging form of unregulated whaling in Asia

Study: China's Olympic effort to curb smog had little effect

Are we making too many Americans?

According to new federal data , some 4.3 million babies were born in 2007, surpassing the previous record set in 1957 at the peak of America's Baby Boom.

Presidents and sports: How does Obama stack up?

The president-elect, an avid basketball player, has a good jump shot. Bill Clinton was creative with his scoring on the golf course. Richard Nixon liked bowling, while Herbert Hoover was a fanatical trout fisherman.

Survivalist businesses surge in uncertain times

Increasing numbers of mainstream Americans are preparing for disasters, many of these companies say.

Howls of protest greet Mexican wolf reintroduction

New Mexico program faces higher hurdles than similar one in Yellowstone.

Obama, science, and a new team in Washington

Obama’s science appointees called a team of all-stars

Accomplished and outspoken, they’re likely to tackle climate change head-on.

Preventing weeds beneath the bird feeder

Bird feed contributes to the spread of aggressive weeds.

Ancient geckos