NSF Current – January/February 2012

Each month, the NSF Current newsletter highlights research and education efforts supported by the National Science Foundation.

Vision Scientists Demonstrate Innovative Learning Method

New research suggests it may be possible to use brain technology to learn to play a piano, reduce mental stress or hit a curve ball with little or no conscious effort. It's the kind of thing seen in Hollywood's "Matrix" franchise.

Scientists Assess Radioactivity in the Ocean From Japan Nuclear Facility

U.S. and Japanese researchers analyzing the levels of radioactivity discharged in the first four months after the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami found that the levels, while high, are not a direct threat to humans or marine life.

Sleeping Giants: Largest Black Holes Ever Measured Found in Nearby Galaxies

Astronomers discovered the most massive black holes to date in two separate nearby galaxies. Each black hole has a mass equivalent to 10 billion suns.

And many more stories at http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsletter/jan_12/index.jsp?WT.mc_id=USNSF_179