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Science News Archive June 2008 - Page 13


Page 13 of 21

AGU Journal Highlights -- June 11, 2008

A study finds that east Siberia's permafrost contains 500 Gt of frozen carbon deposits susceptible to disturbances from climate warming. The permafrost's irreversible thawing could release 2-2.8 Gt of carbon into the atmosphere annually between 2300 and 2400, transforming 74% of the initial carbon stock.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 11, 2008

Woolly-mammoth gene study changes extinction theory

A large genetic study of the extinct woolly mammoth has revealed that it did not have much genetic diversity and was split into two groups. The discovery rules out human hunting as a contributing factor to its extinction, instead pointing to climate change and disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2008

Taking the temperature of the no-fly zone

A new study reveals that fruitflies have four large heat-responsive neurons in their brain, which help them detect and avoid temperatures just above their preferred level. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of neural circuits that drive animals to select a preferred temperature.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2008

UT School of Public Health researchers discover significant efficacy of travelers' diarrhea vaccine

Researchers at UT School of Public Health found that patients given the travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea. The study showed only three cases of moderate or severe diarrhea among vaccinated individuals, compared to two dozen in those who received a placebo.

Are overconfident CEOs born or made? asks Management Insights study

A study by Matthew T. Billett and Yiming Qian found that CEOs who exhibit self-attribution bias tend to overcredit their role in successful deals and underestimate the impact of luck, leading to more value-destructive acquisitions. The authors advise CEOs to be cautious and boards to ensure proposed deals are judged on their own merits.

Opting out revolution a myth: Study shows steep employment gains for women, mothers

A study by Christine Percheski reveals that professional women's employment levels have made steep gains over time, especially for mothers of young children and women in historically male professions. The study shows a shrinking employment gap between mothers and childless women, with more women working full-time year-round.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 11, 2008

Rocky water source

Researchers propose using oil and gas flare-off energy to release water from gypsum deposits, creating a vast source of clean drinking water. The process has been successfully tested and could solve the water shortage problem in dry areas, enabling irrigation and fertility improvement.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateJun 11, 2008

Study finds new properties in non-magnetic materials

A Penn State team has shown that non-magnetic materials can have more properties than previously thought, thanks to their unique structure and symmetry. The researchers found that certain non-magnetic materials can exhibit roto second harmonic generation, a property previously associated with magnetic materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 11, 2008

Dartmouth launches network security study

A team of Dartmouth researchers is launching the Dartmouth Internet Security Testbed (DIST) to examine live network activity and develop methods for detecting malicious activity. The project will provide valuable insights into securing wireless networks, improving network security technology and practices for all internet users.