News: Is Disease “Inheritance” More Random than Once Thought?
Random and frequent cellular deactivation of one of two gene copies could potentially change a genetic outcome
New research shows that cells often randomly deactivate one of a pair of gene copies or alleles, one of which they get from mom, the other from dad. This inactivation may potentially help explain why some children in a family may exhibit certain heritable disorders, whereas others do not.
Saving forests from exploitation
A Papuan chief argues that community management and western consumer power are key to preserving forests.
How’s the Universe Today?
Meteorite hunter Rob Matson invites Neil deGrasse Tyson to the Mojave Desert.
NOVA scienceNOW
In Focus: How Do Artists Portray Exoplanets They’ve Never Seen?
How realistic are images of planets around other stars—and should they be? CLICK HERE FOR AN IMAGE GALLERY
Stargazers have yet to lay eyes on any of the nearly 240 planets detected outside our solar system. These so-called exoplanets are too faint for current telescopes to distinguish from the stars they orbit*; instead astronomers rely on indirect methods to infer their existence. Yet popular news accounts, supplied by space agency press services, overflow with bold, almost photo-realistic images of distant worlds.
NOVA scienceNOW: Ask The Expert: Profile: Julie Schablitsky
On July 16, 2007, Julie Schablitsky answered selected viewer questions about her life and work.
NOVA
Powering up for hydrogen
It is time to turn the theory of a global hydrogen economy in a reality because fossil fuels are not going to last forever.
NOVA scienceNOW: Epigenetics
Our lifestyles and environment can change the way our genes are expressed, leading even identical twins to become distinct as they age.
NOVA
Brown rivers are ‘more natural’
Rivers and lakes in some regions that have turned brown are returning to a more natural state, a study says.
Manhattanhenge
Perched over 42nd Street, NOVA scienceNOW host Neil deGrasse Tyson is eager to show you his hometown’s own version of a Stonehenge magic moment. See it in this video.
NOVA scienceNOW