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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 31

Study: Farmers and scientists divided over climate change

A study by Purdue and Iowa State universities surveyed 6,795 people in the agricultural sector, revealing a significant divide between scientists and farmers on climate change causes. More than 90% of scientists attributed climate change to human activities, while 66% of corn producers blamed natural shifts in the environment.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateNov 11, 2014

Helping patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers

Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateNov 11, 2014

Mann honored with 2014 Pongo Environmental Award

Michael E. Mann received the 2014 Pongo Environmental Award for his groundbreaking research on global warming and strong advocacy for climate protection. The award recognizes his work in providing crucial global temperature data and a compelling case for global warming, as well as his leadership as a climate warrior.

Federal legislation ignores PTSD toll on civilians

A study by Jonathan Purtle found that federal legislation addressing PTSD has predominantly focused on military personnel, with over 90% of mentions targeting military personnel or combat exposure. However, PTSD affects a significantly larger civilian population due to its prevalence in non-military traumatic events.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateNov 11, 2014

Tracing the course of phosphorus pollution in Lake Pepin

Researchers found that fine particles eroded from riverbanks were the main source of phosphorus in Lake Pepin sediment before 1850. After 1850, riverbanks absorbed P from polluted river water, contributing to increasing phosphorus concentrations. Upgrading sewage treatment plants is crucial to controlling phosphorus pollution upstream.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 11, 2014

Groundwater warming up in synch

Researchers found that groundwater temperatures have warmed significantly over the past forty years, echoing global warming trends. The warming is attributed to climate change and has been observed in groundwater close to the surface, with a certain time lag.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateNov 11, 2014

Biochemistry detective work: Algae at night

Scientists at Carnegie Institution for Science have discovered crucial biochemical pathways in single-cell alga Chlamydomonas that allow it to generate energy from stored sugars without taking up oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 10, 2014

Global warming not just a blanket -- in the long run, it's more like tanning oil

A new study from the University of Washington and MIT reveals that global warming is not solely caused by carbon dioxide's 'blanket' effect, but also involves shortwave radiation. The research shows how CO2 initially traps heat, but as the planet warms, it absorbs more solar radiation, leading to continued warming.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2014

Birthweight charts tailored to specific ethnic groups may be better predictor of adverse

A study by Dr. Marcelo Urquia found that using birthweight curves tailored to specific ethnic groups can help identify babies who are at risk of adverse events, such as premature death or complications during delivery. The new charts can provide more accurate measurements and trigger fewer unnecessary medical interventions.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 10, 2014

Getting the salt out

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new method to treat high-saline water from hydrofracturing and other processes by utilizing waste heat from thermoelectric plants. The goal is to develop a cost-effective technology that can recover clean water and reduce waste disposal costs.