The Sciences
Cicada Wings Are Self-Cleaning
Droplets of water combine, and then jump from the insect's water-repellent wings
Stories by Inside Science News Service
Biology
The Mathematical Butterfly: Simulations Provide New Insights on Flight
Butterflies face more bumpy, turbulent skies than previously thought. Insights into their flight could help make micro-aerial vehicles more maneuverable
Biology
Fish Uses Chemical Cloaking to Hide from Prey
The pirate perch species is found to be able to mask its proximity from potential targets, suggesting that more organisms have this ability than previously thought
Math
A Quantum Leap for Basketball "Bracketology"
Some physicists are relying on a phenomenon called superposition to fill in their NCAA men's basketball tournament selections
Technology
Quantum Teleportation in Space Explored as Message Encryption Solution
Satellites could be used to beam down powerful data encryption keys that rely on entangled photons. The vacuum of space could solve the distance problem encountered in sending quantum signals on Earth...
Technology
Ancient Infrared-Emitting Egyptian Pigment Could Be Useful as Nano-Ink
The pigment's chemistry could be incorporated into modern applications. For instance, inkjet printers could fabricate devices with the pigment's near-infrared-emitting property
Biology
Blood Plasma Found to Have Stretchy Properties
Plasma flows like a liquid but has the consistency of ketchup on a small scale. This new insight could help researchers better model the motion of blood in the human body
Biology
Geneticists Estimate Publication Date of The Iliad
Genomes and language provide clues on the origin of Homer's classic
Mind & Brain
Magic Revealed: Cups Trick Found to Be More Effective Than Thought
Neuroscientist Stephen Macknik and colleagues have determined that the famous illusion in which balls seemingly jump from cup to cup manipulates our minds more with distraction than with social cues...
Policy
Oscars Honor Ingenious Screen Engineering in Black Swan and Hugo
This year's awards showcase the interplay between art and science
