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University of Washington


Greenland ice cores show industrial record of acid rain, success of US Clean Air Act

Researchers found evidence of the U.S. Clean Air Act in Greenland ice cores, showing a link between air acidity and nitrogen preservation. The study suggests that the relationship between emissions and isotopes is less direct than thought, with sulfur and nitrogen emissions contributing to the final signal recorded in the ice cores.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2014

No one likes a copycat, no matter where you live

Researchers found that young children in different cultures do not fully grasp the concept of intellectual property until around age 5 or 6. In contrast, older children and adults across cultures view copying as negative. The study suggests that cultural differences may not be as significant as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateMar 11, 2014

Soil production breaks geologic speed record

Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that rock can transform into soil more than twice as fast as previously thought possible. Soil production rates range from 0.1 to 2.5 millimeters per year, depending on soil thickness and location. This breakthrough has implications for the Earth's carbon cycle and weathering processes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2014

A decline in creativity? It depends on how you look

A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that student creative writing is showing signs of decline over the past 20 years, while visual art is experiencing an increase in sophistication and complexity. The study analyzed 354 examples of visual art and 50 examples of creative writing by teenagers between 1990 and 2011.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateNov 15, 2013