World Science Newsletter

* Poor people get fewer painkillers from ER, study finds: As doctors try to discourage narcotics abuse, statistics suggest strong, opioid pain medications are preferentially prescribed to the well-heeled. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130626_pain * Ball-shaped robot debuts: A new robot that takes the form of a rolling ball has been tested and seems to work fine, researchers say. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130621_RoSphere * Particle may combine nature's building blocks in new way: A newfound particle may consist of four quarks -- fundamental units previously thought to group only in twos and threes. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130618_quark * Scans might reveal even past brain activity: Research hints that scientists could probe the brain and uncover the history of past experiences. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130625_brain * Study confirms contamination near some "fracking" sites: Stray gases seep into the drinking water in some areas where a controversial energy extraction method is used, research finds. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130624_fracking * 9/11 stress linked to resurgence in smoking: The Sept. 11, 2001 attacks led about a million former smokers across the United States to resume the habit, a study suggests. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130623_smoking * Applause spreads like "disease": People pick up the clapping "infection" by hearing the volume of applause, rather than seeing their neighbors clapping, a study finds. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/130620_applause