Astronomers detect first Earth-size planets orbiting another star
Dec 31, 2011 Space
In a milestone hailed as a key step toward finding another Earth-like world, astronomers today announced the discovery of two blazingly hot planets roughly the size of Earth.
Paul Davies & Robert Wagner of ASU Say Photos of Earth’s Moon Could Reveal Signs of Extraterrestrials
Dec 31, 2011 Space
Arizona State University scientist Paul Davies and research technician Robert Wagner propose a sort of “why not” project in search of proof for extraterrestrial civilizations
NASA’s "Mono Lake Discovery" What Did They Really Find? (A 2011 Most Popular)
Dec 31, 2011 Space
Dec. 2, 2010: NASA-supported researchers announced that they had discovered the first known microorganism on Earth able to thrive and reproduce using the toxic chemical arsenic. The microorganism, which lives in 740,000 year old California’s Mono Lake, substitutes arsenic for phosphorus in the backbone of its DNA and other cellular components.
Why did scorpions evolve to glow under UV light?
Dec 31, 2011 Space
A University of Oklahoma biologist investigated why scorpions grow bright green under UV light – and found that they can sense light with their tails, an ability that might help them scuttle under rocks.
Should We Terraform Mars?
Dec 31, 2011 Space
Although still a long ways off technologically, terraforming the Red Planet is seen as a future possibility. Perhaps the bigger question is, should we?
Kepler’s Supernova Seen Through a Radio Telescope
Dec 31, 2011 Space
This radio image of SN1604, the Kepler Supernova, shows a spiral region of emission extending along the top of the expanding elements. Light from this supernova reached Earth in 1604. Bright as Mars when first observed,it surpassed Jupiter in brilliance within a few days.
Was 2011 the Year of Scientific Retractions?
Dec 31, 2011 Space
This year, NPR reports, four highly-publicized scientific studies or findings researched by reputable sources or published in peer-reviewed journals were debunked and in some cases retracted.
Scientists List Year’s Most Fascinating Discoveries
Dec 31, 2011 Space
ometimes the science news that grabs headlines isn’t the same news that piques the interest of working scientists. As part of our year-end round-up, LiveScience asked researchers to tell us what they considered the most interesting science stories of 2011 and why. Here’s what they wrote back.
APOD: 2011 December 30 – The Diner at the Center of the Galaxy
Dec 31, 2011 Space
A different astronomy and space science
related image is featured each day, along with a brief explanation.
7 amazing face transplants (GRAPHIC IMAGES) Pictures
Dec 31, 2011 Space
Photos and stories of amazing face transplants