Light and heat from NIF

Light and heat from NIF

There’s plenty of press today about the National Ignition Facility (NIF), an ambitious project to drive fusion energy using a massive array of super-powerful lasers. If this sounds like some sort of devious James Bond plot, you’re not too far off: NIF’s primary job is to verify that the United State’s nuclear stockpile is working well.

The gorilla in the room may have malaria

The gorilla in the room may have malaria

The parasite that causes the most severe form of malaria is circulating in gorillas, according to a new study contributed to PNAS by Academy member Francisco Ayala of the University of California, in Irvine. Scientists previously thought only humans carried this deadly form of malaria (press release).

Antarctic treaty at 50

Antarctic treaty at 50

The Smithsonian Institute is throwing a four-day party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. The summit includes talks by leading Antarctic researchers like ozone hole pioneer Susan Solomon, US science czar John Holdren and Prince Albert II of Monaco, the most recent country to sign the treaty.  Read more