Technology Picture a day in the life of a cell Imagine feeding a mouse and then watching where its cells use the nutrients, or seeing how parts of a kidney cell respond to stress. Such detailed images are now possible using a technology called multiple isotope imaging mass spectroscopy, says Claude Lechene at Harvard University. An ion beam is fired at a biological sample, ripping … 51¶¯Âþ
Life Mass hysteria: Terror's hidden ally IN DECEMBER 2005 pupils and teachers at a school in the Shelkovsk region of Chechnya reported that they were suffering respiratory difficulties, seizures and fainting. The symptoms, which quickly spread to schools in surrounding villages, did not respond to medical treatment. Eventually close to 100 people were affected, mainly adolescent girls. The Chechens, traumatised by … Opinion
Earth Solar sailing – poised to take off On sunlight alone the Solar Sail cruises at 5 knots. Raising the sails can add another 3 knots Sailing with the sun This is surely a Hollywood movie-in-waiting. It's a heartwarming story about a country doctor with an obsession for sailing, the generosity of the people in the small town where he lived, and an … Features
Leonardo, in his own hand TODAY, with graphics software to do the hard work for us, we take for granted the ability to generate and manipulate complex images. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) had to rely on pen and paper to represent and understand the world, which makes the achievements of this artistic and engineering genius all the more remarkable. Manipulating … Books & Arts
Feedback The 2006 Ig Nobel prizes FEEDBACK'S favourite prizes, the Ig Nobels, were handed out last week at Harvard University in a ceremony produced by the Annals of Improbable Research that featured a mini-opera, Inertia makes the world go round . We can't help feeling a little proud that we spotted a couple of the prize-winning … Regulars