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Science News for February 23, 2007


Kids allowed to join groups for complex reasons

New research reveals kids consider multiple factors when deciding who to include in their groups, including social skills, group dynamics, bias, and inclusion/exclusion. Understanding these processes can help address exclusion and promote social justice.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 23, 2007

Louisiana Tech incubator start-up company gets $100,000 grant

Network Foundation Technologies receives grant to develop low-cost online broadcasting technology, creating high-tech jobs and economic development in the community. The company's innovative technology has the potential to bring large-scale, low-cost television-style broadcasting to large audiences via the Internet.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateFeb 23, 2007

Why even close associates sometimes have trouble communicating

Research at the University of Chicago found that sharing new information with people who know you well can slow down communication. This happens because they often use short, ambiguous messages, assuming the other person already knows the information.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCognitive Science·DateFeb 23, 2007
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.

Looking for life on Jupiter's icy moon Europa

Researchers led by paleobiologist Jere H. Lipps argue that Europa's icy surface may harbor life due to the presence of water ice, briny oceans, and tidal friction generating heat. This could lead to a variety of habitats supporting life forms, from microorganisms to macroscopic organisms.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 23, 2007

Study: Inhabitants of early settlement were desperate to find metals

The study found that the inhabitants of Christopher Columbus' settlement in La Isabela, Dominican Republic, desperately tried to extract silver from lead ore brought from Spain. They discovered an improvised smelting process to separate the precious metal, but their methods were not efficient.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2007

When God sanctions killing, the people listen

Research suggests that scriptural violence sanctioned by God can increase aggression in believers. A study found that participants who read a parable with violent content were more aggressive, regardless of their religious affiliation. The results imply that exposure to violent scriptures may contribute to the origins of violent religi...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 23, 2007

AGU Journal highlights -- February 23, 2007

A new satellite method has overcome an obstacle to measuring atmospheric water vapor, providing valuable insights for studying climate and weather. Meanwhile, researchers suggest that irrigation may be causing regional cooling that masks the effects of greenhouse gas warming in certain regions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 23, 2007
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.

Fluid dynamics works on nanoscale in real world

Researchers Uzi Landman and Wei Kang show that Navier-Stokes equations can accurately describe liquid bridge behavior in realistic environments. Their study reveals the importance of molecular evaporation and condensation processes in shaping the nanobridge's shape.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2007

Population pressure shapes urban parks

A study of 10 Northeastern urban forests found no common urban park plant complex, but shows that population levels impact native and nonnative species diversity. The research suggests that urban park managers should consider the ratio of native to nonnative species when implementing vegetation restoration projects.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society·DateFeb 23, 2007

Irregular heartbeat linked to genetic mutation, Mayo Clinic study shows

A Mayo Clinic study has identified a genetic mutation associated with an inherited predisposition to atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. The discovery may lead to improved identification and treatment of younger patients affected by this condition.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2007