It may seem the sun wages a constant war against our skin. Harmful UV radiation burns us, damages our DNA, and can sow the seeds for melanoma. But the sun is essential to our healthy development and our immune systems, because sun-exposed skin produces Vitamin D. During the long-ranging human exodus from Africa, says anthropologist Nina Jablonski, Vitamin D levels in the body played a key role: driving the evolution of our species' skin color.
Feb. 21, 2013NASW news
Birds soar, cheetahs sprint, and humans speak. Just as each animal’s unique behavior evolved via natural selection, our capacity for language is also hard-wired in genes and brain tissue.
Feb. 21, 2013The Martian quest for NASA’s roving laboratory Curiosity isn’t all about landings and lasers. Humbler experiments are now giving clues about the makeup and history of the red planet.
Feb. 21, 2013The Human Genome Project gave us a rough draft of our genetic underpinnings in 2000 and cost taxpayers a cool $3 billion. But just 13 years later, advances in technology are making it possible for anyone to know the A-T-G-C’s of their own genomes at a fraction of the cost, leading to the advent of personalized genetic medicine.
Feb. 21, 2013Although humans are the most prominent victims, every vertebrate species is susceptible to lead poisoning. Birds, fish, reptiles, dogs, and cats are all at risk. During a February 16 symposium at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Boston, researchers agreed that lead is pervasive and poses significant threats to living things.
Feb. 18, 2013The Minnesota Twins and the Daytona 500 both care about precipitation, and scientists are very happy to use their data.
Feb. 18, 2013Ten talented juniors and seniors from across the country gathered in Boston Feb. 14-18 to report on the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting as NASW's undergraduate travel fellows for 2013. During the next several days, we will be posting their reports here.
It isn't being published until April, but you can order this NASW-funded guide now at a discount from Amazon.com by using this NASW bookstore link. In the Science Writers’ Handbook, 35 science writers "share their hard-won wisdom and illuminating stories, going beyond the basics to cover everything else you need to survive and thrive as a science writer." Also, direct orders for 10% off the cover price will be available soon to NASW members.
Feb. 14, 2013We are pleased to announce that NASW members are eligible to receive free access to the journals of the American Physical Society. This resource allows users to access to the full-text articles in the APS journals and includes archives back to 1893. Read more to learn how to apply for access.
Jan. 29, 2013