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Science News for July 29, 2012


When the world burned less

A new University of Utah-led study suggests that global cooling, rather than population collapse, was the primary driver of reduced wildfires globally. The research analyzed charcoal samples spanning 2,000 years and found a significant decline in fires post-1500 AD, which coincided with the onset of the Little Ice Age.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Holocene·DateJul 29, 2012

Smell the potassium

Researchers found two new potassium channels, SK3 and GIRK, that activate the vomeronasal organ's pheromone detection, overriding previous theories on sensory neuron function. The discovery provides clues to innate behaviors in humans and challenges existing knowledge on the VNO's role.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2012

Magnetic field, mantle convection and tectonics

A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that rapid mantle convection may influence the Earth's magnetic field, which is produced by convection currents in the liquid core. The research team found that changes in heat flow and density distribution in the mantle could lead to more frequent or less frequent geomagnetic reversals.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 29, 2012

Cutting the graphene cake

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a side-view imaging technique to visualize individual graphene layers in devices, finding that structures are remarkably stable even with multiple layers. This achievement has significant implications for the engineering of graphene-based computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 29, 2012