Top news for December 21, 2008

Astronomers discover a planet that’s rapidly disintegrating, producing a comet-like tail

New images could change cancer diagnostics, but ICE detained the Harvard scientist who analyzes them. Without scientist Kseniia Petrova’s expertise, no one can fully unlock the data’s potential, putting crucial advancements in early cancer detection at risk.

“Optical Rotatum” – Harvard Scientists Discover New Structure of Light

Rewriting Textbooks: Physicists Discover Anomalous Hall Effect Where It Shouldn’t Exist

Canadian wildfire smoke cooled New York by 3 degrees and trapped air toxicants - EurekAlert!

Loneliness is higher among middle-aged Americans than older ones

Unusual Gas on Alien World Sparks Hope of Life, And Healthy Skepticism

“Signs of Life” on Distant Planet? Scientists Urge Caution as Hype Outpaces the Evidence

Water-powered gadgets may be on the horizon thanks to new evaporation-based energy device

New Clues From Penguins Warn of a Global Mercury Crisis