Adjective
existing as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
The concept of chance, that there could be events which are neither inevitable nor intentional, is difficult and abstract but it has gained strength as science has developed.
Adjective
(of information, measurements, statistics, etc.) correct in all details
The glass flowers made by Leopold Blaschka are so accurate that, in one case, he captured the pollinating mechanism of a flower 120 years before it was discovered by a botanist.
French automaker Renault aims to entice consumers to the world of electric vehicles with the Zoe. Their mini electric vehicle recently achieved the equivalent of 163 mpg (262km) in the Future Car Challenge.
Verb
accept or admit the truth or existence of something
Obama welcomed Chinese President Hu Jintao to the White House even as the administration acknowledged that distrust still remains between the U.S. and China.
Noun
something that has recently been bought or obtained
The acquisition of this iconic work by cosmetic magnate Ronald Lauder caused a shock in the Art world -- a spectacular $135 million paid, far away from the noisy auction houses.
Verb
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
Curcumin, the main chemical in the curry spice turmeric, has fluorescence properties that researchers in Massachusetts are adapting for bomb detection.
In 2006, she founded her own charity called "Eva's Heroes" which helps children living with a disability. Eva has also been a strident advocate for the Latino community.
Verb
change or cause to change in character or makeup
alter
Probiotic research shows that bacteria from the gut have the potential to alter brain neurochemistry and, in turn, treat anxiety and depression-related disorders.
Adjective
one or more things available as another possibility
A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.
Verb
guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared
The organizers of any huge sporting event have to anticipate trouble and try to stop it before it starts. Security officials at Tampa's Raymond james Stadium hoped to do so by using machines that recognize faces.
"It is being reported that I'm having a nervous breakdown," he tweeted. "I assure you am not. This stemmed from a joke I made on The Howard Stern Show."
The health benefits of humor start as soon as you anticipate the pleasure of a good laugh. New research shows that laughter reduces stress hormones and boosts immunity, effects that kick in even as you look forward to it.
Studies show that watching your friends and family in stressful situations can loosely synchronize your heart rates, a strong manifestation of human bonds.
Chihuahuas often bond to only one or two persons in a household. They can also be snobbish when it comes to other kinds of dogs, as the Chihuahua is a clannish breed.
Verb
invite (someone) to do something that one thinks will be difficult
challenging
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has become a worldwide Internet trend with people filming themselves getting drenched in ice water while challenging others to donate money or do the same.
"My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: 'Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed... channel your energy. Focus."
Noun
the practice of going from one TV program to another usually by use of a remote control
channel surfing
Sunday’s 8-hour “Breaking Bad” session proves that Netflix is doing something right. But streaming video still lacks the numbing bliss of TV channel surfing -- settling for whatever's on, the human need to completely veg out.
They are being very civil about it. Stating that infidelity wasn't an issue, the source added, "The big problem with their relationship is the distance."
Adjective
authoritative and perfect as a standard of its kind
Considered by some to be the greatest novel ever written, Anna Karenina is Tolstoy's classic tale of love and adultery set against the backdrop of high society in Russia.
At some point in geological history a part of the ceiling to an amazing 10km cavern collapsed, opening to the world the beauty of Krizna cave, in Slovenia.
collapse
Some 30 homes were buried under tonnes of mud after a hillside collapsed on Sunday. The landslide was triggered by the heaviest rains to hit Colombia in four decades.
Despite attacks on their livestock, Pakistani herders don't have an atavistic enmity to snow leopards. One conservationist believes that if locals are compensated for their losses, they will have no interest in killing them.
Passengers are beginning to suspect that airlines regularly get away with lying about weather delays. That way they don't have to compensate their customers for flights canceled for reasons under the airline's control.
Social media is one of a number of tools to engage with people - it can't be used alone but can complement more traditional means and reach a different group of people.
Phrase
application of computer graphics to create images in films, TV, printed media, art, etc.
computer-generated imagery
Can you guess which side of this picture is a photograph and which side is computer-generated imagery? It's becoming almost impossible to tell the difference between real life and CGI.
A handful of entrepreneurs have raised millions of dollars by pitching the concept of products they have yet to make. But financial backers have no clear way of getting a refund if young businesses fail to deliver.
You may think your toddler is just playing in the sand box, but she may really be conducting a sophisticated scientific experiment and making inferences every time she pours out another scoop of sand.
Noun
person who purchases goods and services for personal use
Chinese consumers continue to have a voracious appetite for autos, as more of the country’s 1.3 billion people climb the economic ladder. They bought 22 million vehicles last year.
Noun
following modern ideas or fashion in style or design
Its simple yet contemporary design creates a stunning effect. It combines two intersecting arcs and a square prism – and this makes the building more efficient.
Breaking another contemporary art auction record, hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen privately scooped up a de Kooning “Woman” painting for roughly $137.5 million.
Noun
dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views
Lady Gaga no doubt planned on causing maximum controversy by wearing the 'raw meat' ensemble - including a meat hat and purse - to the Los Angeles event.
QR codes are generally something we think of as silly, but it turns out they can actually serve interesting purposes for science, like tracking an entire colony of tagged ants to better understand their corporate ladder.
A group of women have united to attempt to bring a class action lawsuit against Walmart, claiming sexual discrimination, on behalf of more than a million women.
Verb
individuals connect or put themselves together to create something
self-assemble
Fire ants have evolved so remarkably that they can self-assemble into structural tools utilized by the entire colony, including a buoyant raft, to ensure it stays intact.