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Science News for May 19, 2006


ESA's Cluster flies through Earth's electrical switch

The Cluster quartet encountered electron diffusion regions 19 times in one hour, measuring accelerated electrons and gaining invaluable insights into the process of magnetic reconnection. This phenomenon releases energy through electron diffusion regions, which may hold the key to preventing reconnection events in nuclear reactors.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 19, 2006

Eyeballs vs footballs: The final

Researchers found that goalkeepers are unable to accurately predict the trajectory of a spinning football, relying on the ball's current heading direction. The study suggests that inherent limitations in the human visual system hinder this ability.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMay 19, 2006

Medicare Advantage plans not always a good deal

A new study found that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can be a bad deal for beneficiaries in poor health, with some facing annual out-of-pocket costs of up to $7,522. Despite extra payments to MA plans, many vulnerable enrollees are still at risk of not getting needed healthcare services due to high cost burdens.