http://harvardscience.harvard.edu/topic/4147 Stories within a topic (RSS) en http://harvardscience.harvard.edu/environments/articles/negative-vibes-space <!--paging_filter--><p>Astronomers have discovered the first negatively charged molecule in space, identifying it from radio signals that were a mystery until now. While about 130 neutral and 14 positively charged molecules are known to exist in interstellar space, this is the first negative molecule, or anion, to be found.</p><p>"We've spotted a rare and exotic species, like the white tiger of space," said astronomer Michael McCarthy of the Harvard- Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.</p><p>By learning more about the rich broth of chemicals found in interstellar space, astronomers hope to explain how the young Earth converted these basic ingredients into the essential chemicals for life. </p><p><a href="http://harvardscience.harvard.edu/environments/articles/negative-vibes-space">read more</a></p> Mon, 26 Mar 2007 06:28:27 -0400 70652986 3839 at http://harvardscience.harvard.edu http://harvardscience.harvard.edu/foundations/articles/measuring-one-universes-building-blocks <!--paging_filter--><p>Electrons are everywhere. There are trillions of them around you as you read this. They help make your computer, TV, cell phone - even the universe - work.</p> <p>Every atom boasts a thin cloud of them orbiting its core, or nucleus. When they jump from one orbit to another, they create the electric and magnetic forces that power the universe. Their behaviors in the most energetic orbits determine the chemical properties of everything you can think of.</p> <p><a href="http://harvardscience.harvard.edu/foundations/articles/measuring-one-universes-building-blocks">read more</a></p> Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:37:46 -0400 4382 at http://harvardscience.harvard.edu