Research aims to fix long-held, inaccurate insect model

(Phys.org) —In humans, a polymer called melanin determines skin, eye and hair color—the darker the skin, the more melanin in a person's body. For insects, melanin is a major aspect of their immune defense systems—their ...

BP to pay record $4.5 bn fine over US oil spill

BP agreed Thursday to pay a record $4.5 billion in US fines for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill and will plead guilty to obstruction and criminal negligence in the deaths of 11 workers.

The 'grammar gotcha' and political speech

(Phys.org)—A long campaign season with genuine gaffes and alleged misstatements begins its culmination with the first presidential debate. Like many citizens, linguist Geoff Pullum, a visiting professor at Brown, will be ...