This Just In

Roll out the red carpet and get ready for the made-for-TV movie: Science magazine has created a new celebrity by naming nitric oxide its Molecule of the Year for 1992. The citation notes that only a decade ago NO was considered "just another toxic molecule." But how far it's come! Scientists now know that in small amounts NO is crucial to human physiology. It plays a key role in digestion, blood-pressure regulation, the immune system, the nervous system and a long list of organs. It's even essential for men's erections. Maybe that TV movie will have to run after midnight.

...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!