The Sciences
Obama Nominates Astrophysicist to Head NSF
France Anne Cordova served as president of Purdue University from 2007 to 2012, and oversaw the creation of the Colombia–Purdue Institute for Scientific Research
Stories by Helen Shen
Mind
Boozy Memory Blocking Reduces Risk of Relapse among Alcohol Abusers
A molecule associated with learning and memory consolidation could be key to treating alcoholism
Neuroscience
Whole Human Brain Mapped in 3-D
The 10-year "BigBrain" effort has yielded a 10-trillion-byte atlas of fine-scale cerebral anatomy
Mind
Studies Cast Doubt on Cancer Drug as Alzheimer's Treatment
Four labs can't replicate finding that showed large-scale clearance of disease-related plaques. Some hope remains for improving memory
Mind
Monkeys Stay Away from Mean People
Capuchin monkeys show biases against humans who deny help to others. This finding suggests that being able to identify undesirable social partners has ancient evolutionary roots
The Sciences
NSF Director Subra Suresh to Step Down
Suresh championed interdisciplinary research and international collaborations during his fewer than three years on the job. He is leaving NSF at a critical juncture, when all government agencies are facing mandatory, across-the-board cuts...
The Sciences
Chicago's Field Museum Cuts Back on Science
Previous expansion projects force the natural history center to address shortfalls with $3 million in cuts to its annual budget for science operations. Zoology, botany, geology and anthropology departments will be dissolved...
The Sciences
Unusual Indian Ocean Earthquakes Hint at Tectonic Breakup
April 2012 quakes occurred away from plate edges, suggesting formation of a new boundary
Health
Light-Sensing Chip Captures Elusive Sperm Swimming Pattern
A lens-free system has provided the first direct evidence of the spiraling swimming pattern of sperm
Health
California Considers DNA Privacy Law
If passed, such a law would have a costly and damaging effect on research
