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Science News for June 17, 2005


Vietnam war technology could aid elephant conservation

Researchers use geophones to estimate elephant numbers by detecting footfalls, providing a more accurate and time-efficient method than counting dung balls or aerial censuses. The new technique has the potential to improve conservation management and reserve planning in central Africa.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 17, 2005

Personal debt: envy, penury or necessity?

Research by Stephen McKay reveals a link between individuals' satisfaction with their household income and outstanding credit commitments. Those expressing the least satisfaction tend to believe repayments are a burden, while those with higher incomes are less likely to feel this way.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 17, 2005
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A good game of golf—mind over matter

Golfers who cope well under stress maintain a positive mindset, use self-talk, and focus on the next shot. Ineffective coping involves trying too hard, speeding up, or changing routines. Golfers at all levels need to practice mental skills to improve performance.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Sport Psychologist·DateJun 17, 2005

'Binge drinkers': Folk devils of the binge economy

The article highlights how government policy on alcohol is influenced by the night-time economy and jobs it generates, rather than careful data analysis. Binge drinkers are portrayed as folk devils, associated with noise, disorder, and violence, and are often linked to young people drunk in public places.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 17, 2005

Rare chalk grassland takes 50 years to recover from military use

Researchers found that neutral grasslands recover faster than chalk grasslands, which take at least 50 years to re-establish. Soil compaction and vehicle damage contribute to the long-lasting damage, highlighting the need for effective control measures to manage these areas.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 17, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New study: Why solar cells lose potency

A new study suggests that intense light exposure in photovoltaic material a-Si:H leads to undesirable defects by creating silicon dihydride structures. Researchers propose potential solutions, such as adding impurities to block the issue, which could improve solar cell performance and efficiency.

SourceOhio University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 17, 2005

Going to extremes to improve human health

The University of Oregon has developed a new environmental chamber to study the human body's response to everyday stresses. The chamber allows for precise simulation of extreme conditions, including altitude up to 18,000 feet and temperature control between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateJun 17, 2005

Seven deadly sins: A new look at society through an old lens

This report delves into the patterns of modern life, exploring how seven deadly sins – pride, anger, lust, avarice, gluttony, envy, and sloth – shape individual experiences and societal norms. The study reveals complex relationships between these vices and factors like income, education, and employment.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 17, 2005

Study sheds light on why diabetes drug causes edema

Researchers found that TZD activates PPAR-gamma in the kidney's collecting duct, leading to fluid retention and edema. The study opens new avenues for treating Type II diabetes and hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2005

Changing sexual behaviour in the UK

A progressive reduction in age at first intercourse has been observed among UK young people, with women twice as likely to regret their first experience. Meanwhile, social attitudes towards sexual behavior have relaxed, particularly for the young, but monogamy remains a widely accepted value.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 17, 2005
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Low election turnout reflects the failure of UK politicians

The UK's low election turnout reflects the failure of politicians to inspire trust, communicate clear policy platforms, and reach out to habitual non-voters. The problem is not with voters' interest in politics, but with their capacity to mobilize those least interested to turn out.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 17, 2005

New research evidence on anger in children and adults

A new report by Eirini Flouri and Heather Joshi finds that children from lower social classes are more likely to exhibit irritability, while women are more likely to report persistent anger in adulthood. Anger levels decrease with age, but being single in mid-life is associated with increased anger. The study also suggests that childho...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 17, 2005

'Strange' physics experiment is unraveling structure of proton

Researchers use intense beam of polarized electrons to study proton structure, discovering strange quarks that pop in and out of existence. The results provide a clearer picture of how protons are held together, shedding light on the strong nuclear interaction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2005
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

VCU study shows big-brained people are smarter

A comprehensive study of 26 international studies shows a strong correlation between brain volume and intelligence, with average intelligence increasing with brain size. The findings have significant implications for job performance and could lead to more accurate employment screening methods.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalIntelligence·DateJun 17, 2005

Insects develop resistance to engineered crops

Researchers found that concurrent use of single- and dual-gene Bt plants can put dual-gene plants at risk if single-gene plants are deployed in the same area. Dual-gene plants expressing two insecticidal proteins offer improved resistance to insects, but may be more vulnerable to resistance development.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2005