Scientists in Maryland have built the world’s first entirely handcrafted chromosome – a large looping strand of DNA made from scratch in a laboratory, containing all the instructions a microbe needs to live and reproduce.

All U.S. nonmilitary engagement with the world accounts for only 1.2% of the federal budget.

Japanese researchers have developed a frog with skin so transparent that its internal organs are visible, a boon to squeamish teens and to biologists who can study how organs develop and respond to tumors or toxins.

Hugh Hefner has a zoo license. He owns peacocks and spider monkeys.

The jagged border between Texas’ Travis and Williamson counties follows the divide separating the Colorado River and Brazos River watersheds.

This article appears in January 25 • 2008.

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