The most potent cosmic rays hit the Earth with so much energy that it is unlikely they have come from far away in the universe. Grafted muscle cells aid damaged hearts Researchers boosted pumping efficiency in damaged rabbit hearts by introducing leg muscle cells. Antidepressant helps smokers to kick ash The drug bupropion, which enhances the activity of the chemical messenger dopamine, shows promise in aiding cigarette smokers to give up their habit. A new laser tool allows researchers to rapidly isolate and lift away individual cells for analysis. Biology New hunting trick explains bird luck Sense organs on its bill that monitor water movement help a type of sandpiper called a red knot find mollusks hidden deep in the sand.
Nesting terns appear to be disturbed more by personal watercraft than by motorboats.
Aspirin works on plants, too Aspirin shuts down a plant's response to injury by the same chemical reaction, but blocking a different enzyme, as in its action in animals. Biomedicine Protein limits bladder cancer spread The natural protein called p21 plays a key role in limiting the recurrence of tumors in bladder cancer patients. FDA clears thalidomide for leprosy use Banned in the early 1960s because it causes birth defects, thalidomide can now be used for treating leprosy and is being tested for other applications. A superconductor known as 214 undergoes a remarkable leap in maximum superconducting temperature when grown as a strained crystal. Uncontainable boron floats into view Hot, corrosive liquid boron yields secrets of its complex atomic structure while levitated on argon gas.