L.A. Times - Science

Mars' north pole is layered, scientists say

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:08:00 -0700

The finding is based on radar images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which show seven distinct layers of ice and dust.

Mars' north pole, like a French parfait, comes in layers.

Polar bear is added to the endangered species list

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The animal, whose habitat has been shrinking with the melting of Arctic sea ice, is the first to be designated as threatened with extinction mainly because of global warming.

The Interior Department on Wednesday designated the polar bear as threatened with extinction because of shrinking sea ice, making it the first creature added to the endangered species list primarily because of global warming.

Democrats want chemical in plastic investigated

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Federal agencies are accused of ignoring the dangers of bisphenol A, which some experts think may harm the development of children's brains.

Congress on Wednesday waded into an escalating scientific dispute over a controversial ingredient in plastic products that some think may harm the development of children's brains and interfere with human reproduction.

L.A. City Council gives preliminary approval to fines for patient dumping

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Hospitals that leave vulnerable patients on skid row would have to pay $25,000. Final vote is expected next week.

Hospitals that discharge homeless patients on the streets of Los Angeles without their consent could be charged with misdemeanors and fined up to $25,000 under a proposed ordinance that received preliminary approval Wednesday from the City Council.

Supervisor candidates Bernard Parks, Mark Ridley-Thomas discuss healthcare issues of L.A.'s 2nd District

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Times is asking the two major candidates competing to succeed Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke about some key issues in the 2nd District, which stretches from Mar Vista through South Los Angeles and into Compton and Carson.

Charles Meyer Goldstein, 87; dentist, USC faculty member organized free dental clinics

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Charles Meyer Goldstein, a dentist and USC faculty member who advocated community service and organized free dental clinics that treat thousands of poor people each year, died Sunday at his home in Brentwood from complications of multiple organ failure. He was 87.

Dr. Murray E. Jarvik, 84; UCLA pharmacologist invented nicotine patch

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Murray E. Jarvik, the UCLA pharmacologist who showed that nicotine was the addictive factor in tobacco and invented the nicotine patch for smokers trying to quit, died Thursday at his home in Santa Monica.

China quake a new skirmish in an old battle

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Clashing continental plates move an average of 2 inches a year, creating stress along an extensive series of faults throughout Asia.

The tectonic battle between the Indian subcontinent and the Eurasia Plate has been raging for tens of millions of years, lifting the Himalayas and spurring countless earthquakes such as the one that struck central China on Monday.

Microsoft unveils its telescope application

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

WorldWide Telescope allows viewers to focus on a particular planet or cluster of stars. One astronomer says it offers 'almost a cinematic representation' of the heavens.

This Map to the Stars is as far from Hollywood as, say, Mars.

More tied to UCLA snooping

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The state links 14 people affiliated with the medical center to the improper viewing of celebrities' files.

California health regulators have connected 14 more people affiliated with UCLA Medical Center, including four physicians, to the improper viewing of celebrity medical records, bringing the number of current and former workers apparently implicated in the snooping scandal to 68.