Chromosome Mapping with DNA Markers
Variable sequences in the DNA of human chromosomes act as genetic landmarks. Individual markers serve for tracing defective genes; collectively the markers provide the elements of a chromosome map...
Features
A Flaw in a Universal Mirror
Without a slight asymmetry in a "mirror" called CP invariance the universe as we know it would not exist; instead it would be devoid of matter. What force in nature causes the flaw?
GABAergic Neurons
Nerve cells not only excite their neighbors but also inhibit them. Such inhibitory activity—often mediated by an amino acid known as GABA—helps to shape the neural networks that underlie all behavior...
How Climate Evolved on the Terrestrial Planets
Planets with temperate, earthlike climates were once thought to be rare in our galaxy. Mathematical models now suggest that if planets do exist outside the solar system, many of them might be habitable...
The Adaptable Opossum
The Virginia opossum can adapt quickly to a changing world. Part of its success may be due to a highly efficient reproductive strategy that includes the ability to adjust the sex ratios of its progeny...
Plastics that Conduct Electricity
Cheap, durable, lightweight and versatile-plastics have a host of commendable properties, but conductivity is usually not counted among them. The next generation of plastics will flout tradition...
Ramanujan and Pi
Some 75 years ago an Indian mathematical genius developed ways of calculating pi with extraordinary efficiency. His approach is now incorporated in computer algorithms yielding millions of digits of pi...
The Bubonic Plague
A bacterial disease carried by fleas that feed on rats, it has afflicted human beings for more than 1,000 years. The factors responsible for its alternate rise and fall remain a mystery
Departments
50 and 100 Years Ago: February 1988
Paleolithic Compassion
Science at the Summit
As California Goes ...
Cosmic Mirage
A Light Matter
In from the Cold
Off and Running
Darwin in Miniature
Fractal Shorthand
Wave Watch
Ritual on Wheels
Exonerating Sodium
New Genes for Old
Supertests
Flying Blind
- Letters
Letters to the Editors, February 1988
- Recommended
Books, February 1988
- Amateur Scientist
The Amateur Scientist, February 1988
- Departments
The Authors, February 1988
Computer Recreations, February 1988
Bibliography, February 1988
