December 2004 - Materials Science Institute - University of Oregon
December 2004 - Materials Science Institute - University of Oregon
December 2004 - Materials Science Institute - University of Oregon
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december <strong>2004</strong><br />
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Volume 291 Number 6<br />
TECHNOLOGY LEADERS<br />
43 The Scientific American 50<br />
Our third annual salute to the people and institutions brightening our future recognizes<br />
accomplishments in stem cells, nanocomputers, mini fuel cells and more.<br />
DRUG DEVELOPMENT<br />
68 The Brain’s Own Marijuana<br />
BY ROGER A. NICOLL AND BRADLEY E. ALGER<br />
Research into natural brain chemicals that act like those in marijuana could suggest<br />
new treatments for pain, anxiety and other conditions.<br />
SCIENCE IN ART<br />
76 Optics and Realism in Renaissance Art<br />
BY DAVID G. STORK<br />
Computer analyses cast doubt on the recent theory that 15th-century artists used lenses<br />
and mirrors to paint their masterpieces.<br />
PALEONTOLOGY<br />
84 The Dinosaurs <strong>of</strong> Arctic Alaska<br />
BY ANTHONY R. FIORILLO<br />
More than 70 million years ago a group <strong>of</strong> hardy<br />
dinosaurs thrived in the harsh climate <strong>of</strong> what is<br />
now northern Alaska.<br />
ASTRONOMY<br />
92 The Case <strong>of</strong> the Pilfered Planet<br />
BY WILLIAM SHEEHAN, NICHOLAS<br />
KOLLERSTROM AND CRAIG B. WAFF<br />
Did British astronomers steal credit for<br />
discovering Neptune from the French?<br />
BIOLOGY<br />
100 Are Viruses Alive?<br />
BY LUIS P. VILLARREAL<br />
Rising from the dead, swapping parts<br />
with their hosts ... Viruses challenge<br />
conceptions <strong>of</strong> what “living” means yet<br />
are vital parts <strong>of</strong> the web <strong>of</strong> life.<br />
features<br />
100 Zombies <strong>of</strong> the<br />
cellular realm<br />
www.sciam.com SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN 5<br />
COPYRIGHT <strong>2004</strong> SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, INC.
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