News-Letter

Most common diseases are associated with subtle changes in a large number of genes. But every once in a while, scientists succeed in linking certain cases of an illness to mutations of a single gene. When this occurs, when it turns out that one renegade gene has derailed an otherwise healthy person, scientists often learn something crucial about an illness and move closer to defeating it.… Post the First Comment

In the time it takes you to read this sentence, a NFL quarterback could scan the field, find an open man and throw for a 50-yard touchdown. A mother at a supermarket could choose Knott's strawberry jam over a jar of Smucker's. A player on Deal or No Deal could risk it all on suitcase number five.… Post the First Comment

A new report from Darryn Waugh of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department and his colleagues suggests that future patterns of air circulation in the atmosphere may prevent ozone levels from returning to their normal levels. Ozone, which absorbs dangerous ultraviolet radiation before it hits the Earth's surface, has been depleted in recent decades due to the release of various chemicals into the atmosphere.… 1 Comment

Scientists have found a new window into the early days of the universe. Using the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) telescope, a team of researchers, led by David Thilker of the Hopkins Physics Department, have found galaxy formation under conditions similar to the primordial universe.… Post the First Comment