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Delta digs show sea is rising

Research by University of Illinois Chicago scientists reveals steady rise in sea level over the past 8,000 years, challenging a hypothesis that sea levels were higher 5,000 years ago. The study uses peat deposits to confirm steady sea level rise and emphasizes the need for better predictions to prepare for coastal erosion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJul 27, 2004

The great flamingo round-up

The Wildlife Conservation Society recently rounded up over 300 threatened flamingos in the Altiplano region, collecting data on their health and tracking population trends. The organization has been participating in a banding project for three years, working to conserve vulnerable species like James' and Andean flamingoes.

Electrical stimulation in patients with paralysis and spinal cord injury

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation significantly improves tissue health and enhances the wellbeing and independence of veterans with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, orthoses selection can improve clinical outcomes following cervical injury, while a home exercise program can improve upper-body endurance in wheelchair users.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateDec 11, 2003

Lengthening achilles tendon reduces recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers

A study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that lengthening the Achilles tendon can reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers by up to 75% after seven months. The procedure, which involves stretching the tendon and immobilizing the foot for six weeks, also requires caution to prevent increased stress on the heel.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 31, 2003

Crawler reconnaissance

The Surf Zone Crawler, a fully autonomous amphibious vehicle, can follow search instruction plans, classify and map underwater mines in turbulent ocean surf zones. It has been used to search under the World Trade Center after 9/11, Afghan caves, and underwater wreckage off Normandy's beaches, with plans to deploy it in Iraq.

Scientists find America’s oldest image of a deity

Archaeologists have found a 4,000-year-old gourd fragment bearing an archaic image of the Staff God, the principal deity in South America. The discovery pushes back the origin of organized religion in the Americas by over 1,000 years, indicating that the Andean civilization began practicing religion more than previously thought.

SourceField Museum·JournalArheologia·DateApr 14, 2003

Neighborhood layout could turn drivers into walkers

Researchers found that people living in walkable communities were more likely to leave their cars behind, suggesting that the physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping physical activity habits. The study's findings encourage policymakers to consider changes in neighborhood design as a way to promote better health.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 1, 2003

People near freeways are exposed to 30 times the concentration of dangerous particles

Research reveals that people near freeways are exposed to 30 times more ultrafine particles, linked to neurological changes and cardiovascular problems. The study measured particle concentrations near two major freeways in Los Angeles, finding a significant decrease in particle concentration with distance from the freeway.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateOct 17, 2002

Foot pressure device may stamp out muscle loss

Researchers developed a mechanical system that stimulates muscle activity in the legs by mimicking natural sensory input, which could aid astronauts and bed-ridden patients. The technology uses plungers to push against the bottom of the foot in specific patterns, generating enhanced neuromuscular activity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateOct 7, 2002

Journal of Rehabilitation R&D releases latest issue

The Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development features articles on life satisfaction following spinal cord and traumatic brain injury, as well as a study on foot models for ulcer-prevention treatment. A preliminary study on genetically engineered spinal cord implants also highlights potential improvements in bladder structure af...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 15, 2002

Ice coring team heads for Alaskan glaciers

An ice coring team led by Ohio State University's Lonnie Thompson aims to drill through Alaska's glaciers to retrieve ancient weather records. The expedition hopes to determine if recent climate change is part of a natural cycle or caused by human activity, with potential implications for global warming.

Protecting waterbirds from watercraft

Research by James Rodgers and Stephen Schwikert found that flush distances for motorboats were greater than those for personal watercraft (PWC), allowing for more effective protection of waterbirds. The study recommends customized buffer zones to protect vulnerable species, such as great white herons.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 24, 2002

Scientists use seals as 'underwater eyes'

Researchers equipped Weddell seals with cameras and data recorders to track their movements and interactions with prey, gaining new insights into the habits of Antarctic silverfish and toothfish. The 'seal cam' technique sheds light on the behaviors of these little-known species, including migration patterns and depth ranges.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalMarine Biology·DateJan 16, 2002