A guide to the peaks of baked Alaska

Why does the ice cream in a baked Alaska stay cold in the oven? Physics professor Sidney Perkowitz, author of "Universal Foam: From Cappuccino to the Cosmos," explains meringue in this Popular Science article.

Study yields clue to how stem cells form

An Emory study shows some of the first direct evidence of a process required for epigenetic reprogramming between generations – a finding that could shed more light on the mechanisms of fertilization, stem-cell formation and cloning. Cell Magazine published the results of the study on nematode C. elegans in its April 17 issue.

"One of the most fundamental mysteries in biology is how a sperm and egg create a new organism. By looking at the process at the molecular level, we're gaining understanding of this basic question of life," says David Katz, lead author of the study. Katz is a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Bill Kelly, associate professor of biology at Emory and a co-author of the study.

Read more about their work in Emory Report.

Teen lab culture

It's a common complaint that America's public schools need more support – especially when it comes to developing young scientists. Chair of Biology Victor Corces is doing something about it: He's opened the doors of his epigenetics lab to inner-city high school students.

See how both the students and lab benefit:

The grey matter of dolphins

Scientific American revisits the brain debate sparked by a researcher who called the bottlenose dolphin "dumber than a goldfish." Emory neuroscientist Lori Marino is among those who strongly disagrees.

Solving mysteries of the brain

“I’ve always felt there is a big disconnect between the amazing experiences of my patients and the knowledge of the average student — even the average medical student,” says neurologist Linton Hopkins. “It’s dramatic to undergo paralysis, or blindness, or suddenly not be able to control a part of your body. To watch how ordinary people are able to respond to this kind of stress is inspiring.”

Hopkins teaches a unique undergraduate course in clinical neurology for the Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology program. He takes students under his wing and into his exam rooms, where they actually become involved in solving cases.

Read the full story in Emory Report.