Новости науки и техники в "Scientific American"

NICOTINE BY-PRODUCT 'COOKS' BODY'S PROTEINS

In news that could give smokers yet another reason to kick the habit, researchers have found that a nicotine by-product known as nornicotine modifies proteins in the body in potentially harmful ways. The results of their study indicate that the chemical may contribute to aging and to the development of a number of diseases.

ANCIENT STAR SHEDS LIGHT ON EARLY UNIVERSE

Astronomers have spotted in the southern Milky Way a stellar relic hailing from the dawn of time. The 14- to 15-billion-year-old star is providing key insights into how elements formed in the early universe.

COMPUTER SIMULATIONS SHOWCASE ALUMINUM'S ODD BEHAVIOR

Aluminum, a metal known for its conductivity, could behave like a ceramic or semiconductor in some situations, according to a new report. The metal may also endure mechanical stress better than copper, which is typically considered to be a stiffer metal, in nanotechnology applications.

MATHEMATICIANS PROVE TETRIS IS TOUGH

The video game Tetris is one of the most popular computer games ever created, perhaps in part because its difficulty makes it addictive. The objective of the game is to move and rotate falling geometric shapes to form complete rows at the bottom of the game board. Now scientists have shown mathematically that the problem posed by Tetris's descending tetrominoes is one of the most difficult to solve, even if you know which pieces are coming next.

MEDITERRANEAN BASIN AT CROSSROADS OF GLOBAL POLLUTION PATTERNS

The Mediterranean, long known for its beautiful beaches and temperate climate, is being inundated with man-made air pollution from other regions of the world. According to the results of a new study, the Mediterranean basin lies at a crossroads of global wind currents and receives an inordinate amount of industrial pollutants. The findings further support the need for international action to control air pollution.

ASK THE EXPERTS: CAN TIME OF DEATH BE DETERMINED FROM BLOODSTAINS FOUND AT A CRIME SCENE?

Forensic scientists Marjorie E. Harris and Jason Byrd explain.