A colossal gamma-ray flare from magnetar SGR 1806-20 has profoundly disturbed the Earth's daytime ionosphere. Scientists detected this massive effect using VLF radio waves, which enable them to monitor ionospheric responses to lightning discharges and cosmic events.
The InterRidge statement of commitment emphasizes the need for responsible research practices in deep-sea vent areas. The statement aims to establish professional standards and promote awareness about the potential consequences of human impacts on these extreme ecosystems.
A Penn bioethics researcher explores the intersection of neuroscience and ethics, highlighting potential implications for teaching ethics and forensic outcomes. The researcher's work raises important questions about the balance between individual freedom and the need for scientific understanding.
A study found that genetic variation in the leptin and leptin receptor genes is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Individuals with two copies of the polymorphism had a threefold higher risk of developing breast cancer than those without it.
The West Antarctic ice sheet's rapid discharge is making a significant contribution to global sea-level rise. Current computer models do not account for liquid water on ice sheet sliding, leading to conservative estimates of future behavior.
Scientists highlight Amazon deforestation, West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting, slowdown of North Atlantic Current, ocean acidification, and the impact of land use changes on the planet's functioning. The symposium showcases new research models and a collaborative databank to assess Earth System consequences.
A Northwestern University researcher found that online communities of young people (10-16) demonstrate high levels of civic involvement, care for their communities, and exhibit unique leadership styles. These leaders prioritize synthesis, social ability, and persuasiveness over traditional traits.
The Cityware project aims to develop pervasive computing technology that enables users to access services anywhere, anytime. The project will test new location recognition tools, interactive games and cultural activities, as well as information services for everyday life.
Dr. Kerry Sieh, Dr. Peter Ventzek, and Dr. Denice Denton receive NOGLSTP awards for their groundbreaking work in earth science, semiconductor industry, and engineering education. The recipients are recognized for their leadership in the GLBT community and their commitment to promoting diversity in STEM fields.
Mathematicians play a key role in defining the possibilities and limitations for tsunami early warning systems. Mathematical modeling has shown that tsunamis behave like classical wave packets, with long wavelengths and trough-to-crest distances exceeding 200 km. This understanding can help improve warnings and save lives.
Global studies on natural hazards can inform disaster prevention and preparedness measures, but require downscaled approaches to customize risk-conscious economic development. A new Global Risk Identification Program aims to provide evidence-based frameworks for national hazard mitigation strategies.
A national evaluation of summer research programs for undergraduates has found that they are a confirmatory event in many students' lives, confirming their desire to pursue careers in science. The programs also show similar quality of mentoring and positive experiences across institution types.
Experts from climate change, terrorism, sociology, politics, and geography come together to discuss how to effectively translate information into useful policy. The session aims to identify common issues with scientific content, weigh values, and communicate risk and science-based solutions to the public.
Patent law enables broad adoption of biomedical innovations by reducing transaction costs associated with negotiation and enforcement. Breaking patents can lead to monopolization and hinder competition.
The world's first marine mining companies are assessing the economic potential of undersea deposits of polymetallic sulphides. Deep-sea robotics and technology are being developed to extract ore from watery depths, with potential benefits including reduced environmental impact compared to terrestrial mining.
The AAAS Board opposes anti-evolution laws that weaken science education, citing threats to teaching evolution and students' understanding of sciences. The organization emphasizes the scientific consensus on evolution's validity.
The study highlights the co-dependence of mortality risk and poverty, with lower-income countries suffering greater losses due to inadequate infrastructure and emergency response systems. The Earth Institute at Columbia University is a leading academic center for integrated study of the Earth's environment and society.
A panel of autism experts will assess widely held stereotypes about the developmental disability, including the notion that autistic individuals lack a theory of mind, vaccines cause autism, or are cognitively impaired. Experts aim to move beyond myths and misconceptions to set scientific reality straight.
Research by Dr. Robert Drago and Carol Colbeck found that both men and women engage in productive and unproductive bias avoidance behaviors. Productive behaviors minimize family commitments to improve work performance, while unproductive behaviors produce the appearance of commitment without actual benefits.
Childress and colleagues develop tool to simulate hovering flight in laboratory setting, allowing analysis of optimal flapping frequency with size. The researchers created a vertical oscillating wind tunnel to study the hovering of passive flexible bodies in oscillating airflow.
Rapid climate changes during the Pleistocene Holocene transition led to the extinction of mega fauna and forced humans to adapt constantly. The environment became more stable in the Holocene, but with less variety.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new transparent material that can amplify light without the need for population inversion, a fundamental property of laser technology. This breakthrough has significant implications for secure information networks, allowing for undisturbed transmission of light signals.
A new study from Cornell University reveals that Americans are divided on the issue of genetically engineered food, with women and non-Caucasians perceiving higher health risks. Over the past three years, support for GE food has declined slightly while risk perception has increased, indicating a growing trend of skepticism.
A study by Emory University researchers found that organic diets significantly reduce children's exposure to two common pesticides, malathion and chlorpyrifos. The study, which involved 23 elementary students aged 3-11, showed a dramatic and immediate protective effect against the pesticides until conventional diets were reintroduced.
Researchers have successfully used pig islet cells to reverse type 1 diabetes in humans through transplantation. The demand for islet cells far outweighs the supply, but this breakthrough offers a potential solution. The University of Minnesota has made significant progress in developing a safe and reliable source of islet cells.
A study by Northwestern University researcher David Huffaker finds that teen bloggers are vulnerable to cyberstalking due to their online presence. Blogs provide a platform for teens to share stories and feelings, but also expose them to risks such as sexual predation and bullying.
Researchers propose that social systems arose as a group defense mechanism against predators, citing studies on male muriqui networks and affiliative hormones in primate species. Positive behaviors like grooming and physical touch increase levels of social bonding hormones.
Z. Jane Wang's research uses dragonflies as a model to study efficient flight, challenging conventional wisdom that airplanes are more efficient than birds. The study suggests that using aerodynamic drag can be beneficial for certain types of flight, and may inspire the development of flapping machines.
Researchers suggest that productive kelp forests in the Pacific Rim may have facilitated human coastal migrations around 35,000 to 15,000 years ago. This theory is supported by findings of kelp forests near earliest coastal archaeological sites in the Americas.
The Organic Center symposium highlights the impact of organic farming in reducing pesticide risks and enhancing food quality. Key findings include the effectiveness of organic farming in dramatically reducing pesticide risks to children, while regulatory actions have had limited success in addressing dietary exposures.