Supersized Ring

Astronomers recently found the largest planetary ring in the solar system swirling around Saturn.

Feeling Wobbly?

Weak ankles benefit from training

Like a chain, the body is only as strong as its weakest link.

Burning Question

Early farmers changed the weather

Our ancestors may have begun warming the planet 8,000 years ago.

Floating ideas

Learning Barge takes to the water

The Learning Barge has gone from concept to classroom.

Letters to the Editor

Addiction Research

I found the article “Targeting Addiction” (Fall 2009) very intriguing. I especially was curious if Dr. Bankole Johnson’s research (or even topiramate itself) is applicable to other

Learning Barge Christened in Portsmouth

R&D in Brief

Less stress for medical students, tests for toddlers and the power of popularity among teens.

Jack Needs Jill to Get Up the Hill

Perceptions affected by friendship

Hills seem less steep if you have a friend by your side.

Snooze Alarm

Seniors get wake-up call about too little sleep

Shakespeare described sleep as knitting up the “raveled sleeve of care.”

According to a U.Va. study, most elderly people aren’t getting enough knitting.

A Wink Is as Good as a Nod

Head movements trump gender in conversation

Watch a video that shows how researchers change perceived gender with video conferencing software.

Adorable Secret to Success

Exposure to cuteness increases fine motor skills

Imagine a calico kitten playing with a ball of string. Are you picturing it? Good, now you are—by a small but measurable margin—better prepared to perform surgery. <

From DNA to the N.I.H.

Geneticist to lead health efforts

Francis S. Collins to head multi-billion dollar research institute.

Science, Fashion and Rock ’n’ Roll

Medical dean featured in GQ magazine

Medical School dean Steven T. DeKosky is a “Rock Star of Science,” according to the June issue of GQ magazine.

Targeting Addiction

One man’s quest on the path of discovery

Addiction is a disease that affects millions. Dr. Bankole Johnson is developing a pharmaceutical treatment for it.

Can’t Buy Me Love

Why do couples break up?

Jeff Dew found that the only type of disagreement that predicted whether a cohabiting couple would break up was money.