Science

Going beyond the dome

At least four schools in the county -- North Hills, Pine-Richland, Gateway and Woodland Hills -- have planetariums.

Researchers 'edit' genes to make cells resist HIV

University of Pennsylvania researchers snipped out a single gene in  immune cells to make them partly resistant to infection with HIV.

Springing forward for daylight saving time triggers debate

At 2 a.m. Sunday, daylight saving time will go into effect, but it has opponents who decry the confusion and loss of sleep it causes.

Studies show big promise for HIV prevention

A shot every one to three months may give an alternative someday to the daily pills that some people take now to cut their risk.

Researchers find protein is a blessing and a curse

Consumption of high levels of the nutrient in middle age shortens life, but can extend it in older age, researchers find.

Fish consumption aids in heart health, Pitt study finds

Middle-aged Japanese men have less than a third the rate of coronary artery calcification than their American counterparts.

Pitt faces animal rights scrutiny

Stop Animal Exploitation Now has filed a complaint against Pitt for violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act in Pitt research labs.

Stargazing: Crescent moon and the Pleiades

By Thursday evening, the 6-day-old waxing crescent will sit 5 degrees to the lower left of the Pleiades star cluster.

Allegheny County crime lab vying to use more advanced DNA database

The process can obtain conclusive results more reliably than older DNA technology, and "the innocent will be excluded more quickly."

The additions include four planets about 2½ times as big as Earth the right distance from their parent stars for liquid surface water.

FDA panel debates idea of 3-parent babies

AN FDA panel began debating a new technique that combines DNA from three people to create embryos free of certain inherited diseases.

Heinz Awards honor best work on global, social issues

The Heinz Awards today honored five individuals who will share prize money totaling $1.25 million for the innovative work they are doing to

Evolutionary biologist to speak at Duquesne

Richard E. Lenski will present Duquesne University's 2014 Darwin Day lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Stargazing: Waning crescent passes Venus

Early risers will have the chance to see an eye-catching pairing between Venus and the thin crescent moon Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Four of 58 local schools advance, will compete for spot at National Science Bowl

Out of 58 high school teams, four claimed spots as regional science bowl finalists today, though only one will advance to nationals.

New treatment to fight leukemia shows promise

A new treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia put 14 of 16 end-stage patients into remission during a human clinical trial.

Carnegie Science Center expansion plan stumbles out of the gate

The science center has planned a $55 million renovation, but a fundraising study found a lack of financial support.

Stargazing: Mars' retrograde motion

The Red Planet will halt its eastward motion and begin creeping westward through Virgo on March 1.

As cold engulfs Great Lakes, Pittsburgh's open water attractive alternative for gulls

Polar vortex and frigid weather also are drawing gulls and other water birds to Pittsburgh this winter.

Ornithologists say the region's few crow roosts should be embraced; others not so sure

Biologists continue studying the marvel of crows roosting by the thousands, including three sites in the region.

Animals customize milk depending on baby's sex

New research raises questions for human babies, too.

Stargazing: Orion's hidden treasure

While you're gazing at the brilliant stars of winter on these February evenings, take some time to search for the sky's hidden treasures.