AI pioneer John McCarthy dies
The computer scientist who coined the term ‘artificial intelligence’ and led the field for years has died.
Universal HPV vaccination for boys recommended
Today, on a vote of 13 in favor with one abstention, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said that 11- and 12-year-old boys, like their female counterparts, should receive the series of three immunizations against the virus, which infects some 20 million Americans and causes cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus as well as genital warts
Ruth’s Reviews: The Disappearing Spoon
Ruth Francis, Nature’s Head of Press, is reviewing all the entries shortlisted for the Royal Society’s science book prize. She’ll be reading one per week and posting her thoughts on the news blog every Friday between now and the prize ceremony on 17 November … Read more
Legal highs research ‘needs more support’
Britain’s scientific advisors on illegal drugs have called for a multi-pronged attack on the growing ‘legal highs’ problem, including funding for improved research and forensics developments, just days after American authorities clamped down on them.
Polio eradication endpoint of 2012 will not be met
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is not on track to interrupt polio transmission by the end of 2012 as it planned to.
Argument over RNA editing study deepens
The geneticist whose claimed to find a new mechanism of genetic regulation is defending her work against critics. Read more
The Iceman genome cometh
Ötzi, a 5300-year old man found frozen in the Alps, has become the latest long-dead human to have his complete nuclear genome sequenced.
Earthquake severely damages eastern Turkish cities
Several Turkish cities were devastated on Sunday by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake and numerous aftershocks that struck the east of the country.
Marking a joyous occasion, California finalizes climate regulations
Maybe the trick is to get away from pollution and power plants and instead make global warming policy appear youthful and fun and exciting (right). Whatever the reason, at a time when the drive for climate regulation has not only stalled but is running in reverse in Washington, the state of California appears content to plow forward and blaze yet another new regulatory trail. Read more
Can psychology overcome a climate of resistance?
In Miami today, at the annual meeting of the Society for Environmental Journalists , a panel of three social scientists tackled the question of how to get people to change behavior. Never mind whether they care or not. How can the culture be tweaked? How can policies be set to influence human behaviors to emit less greenhouse gas?