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Statistics research offers new forecast of El Niño

A statistical model created at Ohio State University predicts sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, providing a way to quantify the uncertainty surrounding El Niño. The model can forecast El Niño six months in advance, giving farmers and commercial fishermen time to plan for the coming season.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJan 26, 2004

Life in the inferno: researchers identify factors that determine where microorganisms can survive in the hellish world deep underground

Microorganisms can survive deep underground due to high temperatures, availability of water and chemical nutrients, porosity of the surrounding rock, and flow of fluids. Subsurface scientists have identified these factors to understand how extremophiles colonize environments and potentially shed light on life on other planets.

To Prevent Ice Buildup, Charge It

A Dartmouth physicist has discovered that applying a small electric voltage across an ice-metal interface can break the bond between ice and metal surfaces, potentially preventing or reducing icing on airplane wings. The effect of the voltage can be reversed to increase ice adhesion, which could improve traction on icy roads.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 30, 1998