Science/Technology

An artist’s rendition of Barbaturex morrisoni: The lizard lived 40 million years ago, was 6 feet long and weighed upward of 60 pounds.

Paleontologist names giant ancient reptile after Doors singer Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, styled himself "the Lizard King." So when a paleontologist who happens to be a Doors fan came across the fossil of a giant lizard, one of the largest ever to trod the planet, he named it Barbaturex morrisoni, after the enigmatic rock 'n' roller.

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Archive by category ''Science/Technology

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Duke University team discovers a gene mutation tied to severe myopia

The reasons why one child inherits a parent's nearsightedness while another offspring has perfect vision have long been fuzzy. Now, new research out of Duke University is bringing some clarity to this puzzle.
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Up in the Air: June is quite a big month for a full moon

Because the moon is so near on June 22, it will also appear as the largest of full moons for the year.
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Nature's Secrets: Tropical fruits shape history

An extraordinary smorgasbord of tropical fruits still remains in the wild without genetic modification, and most have never tasted by the average consumer. Tropical fruits are part of global exploration - and a source of historical oddities.
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Science Briefs: Tiny telescope finds a new kind of variable star

A team from Switzerland's Geneva Observatory has discovered a new class of variable stars by measuring minute variations in stellar brightness. They achieved this precision using a comparatively small (3.9-foot) telescope for an observing program over seven years. The results are based on regular...
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

NC State research on cannibalistic tadpoles may save human lives

Chemical genetics, or using chemicals to mimic genetic mutations with these tadpoles, is a relatively cost-effective way to explore genetic disorders. Researchers employ chemical genetics to help advance malaria drug developments, understand brain, eye and ear formation, and cancer research.
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Genetic project may revive extinct species

A Santa Cruz, Calif.-based research project could send now-extinct passenger pigeons flocking into the skies again, using genetic engineering to restore the once-abundant species and chart a revival for other long-gone creatures.
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

French winemaking started in Italy, tests reveal

The giants of wine, the French, have the Italians to thank, it seems.
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Hartsville, S.C., man blogs about life, science

After earning a Ph.D. in molecular cell biology from the Washington University School of Medicine, Josh Witten of Hartsville, S.C., started The Finch + Pea (www.thefinchandpea.com).
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Science Briefs

Brief items from the world of science and technology
WAKE COUNTY

It’s upstream vs. downstream in Jordan Lake repeal

Regional efforts to control biological pollution in the reservoir have played out for decades in mind-numbing technical detail. This year, like many issues, the water-quality debate burst into public view on the back of sweeping legislative proposals.