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Science News for August 24, 2005


Cleaning up coal's act

Researchers will study chemical reactions and transformation of mercury in flue gases of coal-fired power plants. They aim to develop a mathematical model to predict mercury emissions and create more effective technologies for controlling mercury emissions.

Drug trials & the media

A study examining media reports on the closure of HIV drug trials in Cambodia and Cameroon found that many articles failed to identify primary sources or provided inaccurate information. The researchers stress that both the media and trial organisers have a responsibility to provide accurate information during periods of controversy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC International Health and Human Rights·DateAug 24, 2005

Climate model links higher temperatures to prehistoric extinction

Researchers used the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) to study the Permian extinction event, which saw 90-95% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species die. The model found that warming ocean waters at higher latitudes due to rising CO2 levels led to a stratified ocean with little oxygen, making it deadly for marine life.