Source: Gary Glatzmaier of UC Santa Cruz and Paul Roberts of UCLA In this supercomputer simulation, the complex dynamics of a magnetic pole reversal are depicted over the course of several thousand years.

In the 2003 science fiction movie “The Core,” the Earth stood still. Or more precisely, its molten outer core stopped flowing, spelling an end to the planet's protective magnetic field and the beginning of a slew of global catastrophes, from massively destructive megastorms to a beam of unfiltered sunlight melting the Golden Gate bridge.

For years, advocates of agricultural biotechnology have promised a future in which foods will be genetically engineered to give more nutrition and to prevent chronic diseases, in which crops will be modified to thrive in salty soil or dry climates, and in which consumers will benefit directly from science's ability to tweak characteristics of plants.

Harvard researchers found that children who study a musical instrument for at least three years outperform other children not only in auditory discrimination and finger dexterity, but also in skills not associated with music.