Latest science news in Mathematics & Economics
Broadband rivals traditional media
A study of internet use in Australia found that broadband is reducing the time people spend with traditional media such as newspaper or radio.
Launch of Private Rocket Fails; Three Satellites Were Onboard
A privately financed rocket was lost on its way to space, bringing a third failure in a row to an Internet multimillionaire’s effort to create a market for low-cost space-delivery...
Health insurance ambition narrows
Schwarzenegger seeks a deal to cap profits, set minimum benefits and limit cancellations on individual policies. ...
J. Murdoch Ritchie, Who Used Toxin to Trace Nerve Impulses, Is Dead at 83
Dr. Ritchie, a biophysicist at Yale, famously asked the Central Intelligence Agency to share with scientists its supply of the neurotoxin he was using in his studies.
3 Ways To Keep Your Computer Running
If you've noticed that your computer is running slower than usual there are probably some good reasons, but it's likely nothing a little routine maintenance won't take care of.
Clinton in Africa says nutrition key to AIDS fight
(AP) -- Former President Clinton said Sunday that keeping HIV-infected children in the developing world well-fed amid the pressures of skyrocketing global food and fuel prices will be crucial...
Visualizing Open Source Software Development
With dancing points of light, rings of color and a soundtrack, the Code_swarm animations show how software such as the Python scripting language and the Apache Web server have developed...
Fake firms awarded Medicare funds, GAO study says
The government is putting millions of Medicare dollars at risk by authorizing fictitious sellers of wheelchairs, prosthetics and other medical supplies to submit reimbursement claims with only limited review, congressional...
Cell-phone advisory renews debate
SEATTLE, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Cancer Institute director's warning to employees against extended cell-phone use has stoked the scientific community's debate on the subject.
Verizon, unions continue contract negotiations
(AP) -- Verizon Communications Inc. and two unions representing some 65,000 of its workers have agreed to "stop the clock" on contracts that were set to expire at 12:01...
Suicide Latest Twist in 7-Year Anthrax Saga
An army scientist's suicide leaves the anthrax investigation unsolved.
Lawmakers demand info on Web tracking practices
(AP) -- A congressional committee wants the nation's largest telecommunications and Internet companies to explain whether they target online advertising based on consumers' search queries and Web surfing habits.
Relays Pass Baton To Next-gen Broadband Networks
The ideal of affordable wireless broadband for all, and as an added bonus better quality services in urban areas, is a lot closer thanks to recent advances made by European...
Brazil launches rainforest fund
Brazil launches an international fund to protect the Amazon rainforest but warns against foreign interference in its policy.
Bad science: Ben Goldacre takes a closer look at the 'fame formula'
Ben Goldacre: So event-related fame declines rapidly with time? I don't think anyone is desperately surprised
Oliver Burkeman on why everything takes longer than you think
Oliver Burkeman: We know everything always takes longer than expected; we just seem to forget, again and again
FCC: Comcast Traffic Block Violated Rights
A divided Federal Communications Commission has ruled that Comcast Corp. violated federal policy when it blocked Internet traffic for some subscribers and has ordered the cable giant to change the...
Africa still dependent on satellite net access
Africa still relies largely on satellites for Internet access, with delays to cable projects across the continent reported.
Nortel loss widens
Nortel Networks Corp. shares retreated more than 13 per cent on Friday after the company reported a deeper-than-expected second-quarter loss.
Anti-smoking group has mixed feelings about Big Tobacco fines
A prominent anti-tobacco group says it's simultaneously pleased and disappointed by the huge fines levied against two of Canada's largest tobacco companies.
The Problem With Biofuels
Skyrocketing food prices have caused some to rethink the wisdom of using crops as fuel. Mark Phillips reports.
Japan's Toyota unveils next-generation scooter
Japan's Toyota Motor on Friday unveiled the Winglet -- a new two-wheel electric scooter to rival the Segway.
Guilt on their hands: tiny 'tags' could help to solve and deter gun crime
Criminals who use firearms may find it much harder to evade justice in future, thanks to an ingenious new bullet tagging technology developed in the UK.
Africa needs research universities to fight poverty
Neglect of science and technology in African universities has been compounded by a failure to focus research on the continent's needs, says Mammo Muchie.
German Court Overturns Smoking Bans in 2 States
The Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe found that regional smoking bans discriminated against small one-room bars.
Amid Salmonella Case, Food Industry Seems Set to Back Greater Regulation
Industry leaders are questioning whether the weak produce-tracking rules that many of them once championed are more a curse than a blessing, several food safety experts say.
EDS shareholders endorse tie-up with Hewlett-Packard
Electronic Data Systems shareholders on Thursday approved a tie-up with Hewlett-Packard, voting almost unanimously to go through with the 13.9 billion dollar takeover.
Prentice hints at reining in cellphone companies
In the wake of growing consumer frustration over Canadian cellphone prices, the government is hinting that increased regulation of the industry may be on the way.