Just one firefly, with its poisonous lucibufagin chemicals, is enough to kill a lizard, a lesson that American zookeepers and pet owners are learning the hard way. Some of the most popular lizards in zoos and private collections are from parts of the world without poisonous fireflies.
Scientists may soon be able to quickly produce genetically modified crops without transferring genes across species, providing a novel approach to modifying plant characteristics to generate new traits. The new technique could be applied to improving the nutritional value and productivity of foods without the involvement of foreign DNA.
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered an enormous cyclonic storm system raging in the northern polar regions of the planet Mars. Nearly four times the size of the state of Texas, the storm is composed of water-ice clouds like storm systems on Earth, rather than dust typically found in Martian storms.
For the first time in history, humanity will send a sundial to another planet. Inscribed with the motto "Two Worlds, One Sun," the sundial will travel to Mars aboard NASA's Mars Surveyor 2001 lander.
Hydrogen, as any materials scientist will tell you, is a tough nut to crack. It is the simplest of the atoms, but in its molecular, or solid state it is incredibly complex. The long-sought goal of turning the element into a metal, it has been predicted, would require pressure close to that found at the center of the Earth.
Cornell will be one of 15 universities participating in a new project to support women studying science and engineering. Called "MentorNet," the project will use the Internet and electronic mail to connect female engineering, science and math students.
Workers in poorly ventilated offices are twice as likely to report the symptoms of sick building syndrome as are employees in a well-ventilated environment, a new Cornell study finds.
After months in a space habitat, astronauts on the moon or Mars will have Cornell to thank if their daily meals are culinary delights. To help NASA plan the cuisine for future lunar and Martian space colonies, a Cornell chef, nutritionist, food and biological engineer and vegetarian cooking teacher are collaborating to develop and test tasty, nutritious and economical recipes.
Reminder to tiger beetles: If you chase prey at high speeds, you'll go blind. Entomologists have long noticed that tiger beetles stop-and-go in their pursuit of prey. But until now, scientists have had no idea why this type of beetle attacks its food in fits and starts.
