Science & Society
- Tech
Saving vanishing ‘tongues’
More than 3,000 world languages face extinction. Linguists are turning to mobile apps and other tech tools to preserve these endangered languages.
- Science & Society
Teen’s cancer research scores big at Intel ISEF competition
Seventeen teens grabbed top honors at the world’s premier high-school science competition. A 15-year old cancer researcher got to take home $75,000.
By Sid Perkins - Science & Society
Students use STEM to help their community
Every community has its problems. A nationwide contest encourages students to tap science to solve local needs.
- Environment
‘Greener’ energy needed now, group warns
To avoid a looming environmental crisis brought on by global warming, people need to rely more on renewable energy sources. And fast. Without quick action, the world may face a harsh future, warns the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Science & Society
FDA announces plans to regulate e-cigarettes and more
The Food and Drug Administration announced it will use its powers to try to keep e-cigarettes, hookahs and cigars out of the hands of minors.
By Janet Raloff - Science & Society
E-cigarette makers focus on teens
A high-level group of senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives surveyed makers of e-cigarettes and finds they are targeting youth. They conclude that new federal laws should be created to end practices that could turn teens into nicotine addicts.
By Janet Raloff - Computing
Intel STS finalist’s computer program models social life
Ajay Saini has brought together math and computer science to show how habits spread within social groups. His new computer program could help promote healthy habits.
- Health & Medicine
The dangerous rise of electronic cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes were originally advertised as a way for smokers to wean themselves off of cigarettes. In fact, e-cigarettes are helping hook a whole new generation of young people on nicotine — an addiction that may transition back to tobacco.
- Health & Medicine
Explainer: What is a hookah?
Many teens are turning to water pipes as a potentially safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. But they’d be wrong.
- Health & Medicine
Explainer: What are e-cigarettes?
New battery-powered devices deliver nicotine, a dangerous and addictive drug.
- Environment
Burning to learn
Fires cause billions of dollars of destruction to homes and forests every year. But not all fires are bad, especially for forests. With a better understanding of fire, scientists can both help people prevent dangerous fires — and identify which ones it would be better to let burn.
- Science & Society
Eric Chen wins 2014 Intel Science Talent Search
The Intel Science Talent Search gala on March 11 honored 40 brilliant high school seniors and their research projects. Eric Chen won first place for his computer screening technique that identified new influenza drugs.