Beach Foam
Why does the incoming tide bring in what looks like soap suds? (Marine microorganisms get whipped up by the waves into a foam.)
Evolving Spiders
Female choice is driving evolution in a species of jumping spider in Arizona.
Failed Experiments
Why is an experiment that fails considered to be good? (Can lead to great innovation)
Exercise Drug
Discovery of the biochemical pathway by which muscles respond to exercise
Fly Stress Test
A stress test for fruit flies helps provide clues to the genetics of heart disease.
Burying Nuclear Waste
Why can't you bury radioactive waste where the uranium was dug up? (Geology is not right)
Hypoallergenic Peanuts
Lowering the level of allergens in peanuts for those who have peanut allergies
Primary Colors
Why are there three primary colors? (Three kinds of receptors in the retina)
Asteroid Mover
An asteroid's path could be altered to prevent it from hitting the Earth.
Power Cord in Space
Geocentric spacecraft may one day be propelled by a tether that dangles into the earth's magnetic field; Concept to be tested July 2002
Stealth Bugs
Bacteria in the gut cover themselves with sugar-- perhaps to avoid detection of the immune system
Boarding Pass Bomb Detector
A mass spectrometer that can scan boarding passes for explosive materials from passengers
Cooling Headaches
A method to stop migraines by cooling down an area of the mouth.
No-Till Farming
A method of farming that promises to be more productive while using less water, fertilizer, and preserving the soil
Therapeutic Eggs
The first steps in genetically engineering chickens to produce protein-based medicines in eggs
Ultrasound Surgery
Using ultrasound to diagnose and treat internal injuries
Cold Mountain Air
If hot air rises, why is it colder at the top of mountains? (because hot air cools as it rises)
Radioactive Sub
The nuclear material from the sunken Kursk submarine doesn't seem to be contaminating the surrounding waters
All Species Inventory
A 25-year effort to discover, identify, and catalog every living species on Earth.
Billiard Break
Is it possible to sink all the billiard balls on the break shot? (Highly improbable)
Killifish and Pollution
Killifish in a river contaminated with creosote have adapted to the pollution.
Fluorescent Lights
Why aren't fluorescent bulbs used in headlights or spotlights? (Can't focus them as well)
Mars Hotel
A hotel in orbit around the sun could ferry astronauts between Earth and Mars.