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Other Sciences news
'Bombshell' explodes myths of female terrorist motivation
Often portrayed as pawns of male-dominated terrorist organizations, female terrorists are actually motivated by more complicated and diverse reasons, according to a Penn State researcher.
Often portrayed as pawns of male-dominated terrorist organizations, female terrorists are actually motivated by more complicated and diverse reasons, according to a Penn State researcher.
Hidden in plain sight: Anthropologist rediscovers Pacific Islands cultural treasures
(PhysOrg.com) -- The discovery of a priceless collection of cultural treasures typically conjures up visions of dark and scary tunnels a la Raiders of the Lost Ark. But when University of Rochester anthropologist Robert Foster stumbled upon one of the oldest and largest collections of Pacific Islands artifacts, he was in the bright and friendly halls of the Buffalo Museum of Science.
(PhysOrg.com) -- The discovery of a priceless collection of cultural treasures typically conjures up visions of dark and scary tunnels a la Raiders of the Lost Ark. But when University of Rochester anthropologist Robert Foster stumbled upon one of the oldest and largest collections of Pacific Islands artifacts, he was in the bright and friendly halls of the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Archaeologists model past and future landscapes
Archaeology is a vital tool in understanding the long-term consequences of human impact on the environment. Computational modeling can refine that understanding. But according to Arizona State University archaeologist C. Michael Barton, it takes a revolution in thought, along with the newest methods of modeling, to produce a comprehensive picture of the past that can help inform land-use decisions for our future.
Archaeology is a vital tool in understanding the long-term consequences of human impact on the environment. Computational modeling can refine that understanding. But according to Arizona State University archaeologist C. Michael Barton, it takes a revolution in thought, along with the newest methods of modeling, to produce a comprehensive picture of the past that can help inform land-use decisions for our future.
Women better than men when it comes to visuospatial abilities
(PhysOrg.com) -- Differences in contextual advertisement and store location placement explain why women are better able than men to recognize dramatic new products reports a new research paper from the Richard Ivey School of Business.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Differences in contextual advertisement and store location placement explain why women are better able than men to recognize dramatic new products reports a new research paper from the Richard Ivey School of Business.
Sustainability solutions need the power of networks
The choices an individual makes about environmental issues are affected by family, friends and others in a person's social network. Michigan State University scientists are studying how to harness the power of social networks to better communicate sustainability science.
The choices an individual makes about environmental issues are affected by family, friends and others in a person's social network. Michigan State University scientists are studying how to harness the power of social networks to better communicate sustainability science.
'The King's Speech': good drama - but accurate science?
(PhysOrg.com) -- "The King's Speech" is a compelling enough story to merit 12 Oscar nominations. (We’ll find out how compelling when the Academy Awards are announced Feb. 27). However, as contentions surface about the film’s historical accuracy (Lionel Logue’s grandson said his grandfather would never call the King of England “Bertie,” and the real-life Churchill, contrary to the film’s portrayal, staunchly opposed Edward VIII’s abdication), what about the film’s depiction of stuttering and Logue’s therapy techniques? Did the film portray them accurately?
(PhysOrg.com) -- "The King's Speech" is a compelling enough story to merit 12 Oscar nominations. (We’ll find out how compelling when the Academy Awards are announced Feb. 27). However, as contentions surface about the film’s historical accuracy (Lionel Logue’s grandson said his grandfather would never call the King of England “Bertie,” and the real-life Churchill, contrary to the film’s portrayal, staunchly opposed Edward VIII’s abdication), what about the film’s depiction of stuttering and Logue’s therapy techniques? Did the film portray them accurately?
Nanotechnology news
Nanotechnology may lead to new treatment of liver cancer
(PhysOrg.com) -- Nanotechnology may open a new door on the treatment of liver cancer, according to a team of Penn State College of Medicine researchers. They used molecular-sized bubbles filled with chemotherapy drugs to prevent cell growth and initiate cell death in test tubes and mice.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Nanotechnology may open a new door on the treatment of liver cancer, according to a team of Penn State College of Medicine researchers. They used molecular-sized bubbles filled with chemotherapy drugs to prevent cell growth and initiate cell death in test tubes and mice.
Physics news
The Year of the Higgs?
This February, researchers will renew their search for one of the universe's most elusive mysteries, the Higgs boson--a hypothetical particle that if found would give an insight into why particles have certain mass.
This February, researchers will renew their search for one of the universe's most elusive mysteries, the Higgs boson--a hypothetical particle that if found would give an insight into why particles have certain mass.
The quest to discover new technology
Electronic devices like smart phones, computers and mp3 players have become central pieces of everyday life and consumers have grown accustomed to seeing new and improved models every time they turn around. But continuing that trend is dependent on one thing: the emergence of new technology.
Electronic devices like smart phones, computers and mp3 players have become central pieces of everyday life and consumers have grown accustomed to seeing new and improved models every time they turn around. But continuing that trend is dependent on one thing: the emergence of new technology.
Researchers fabricate first large-area, full-color quantum dot display
(PhysOrg.com) -- For more than a decade, researchers have been trying to make TV displays out of quantum dots. Theoretically, quantum dot displays could provide extremely high-resolution images and higher energy efficiencies than current TVs. Now in a new study, researchers have presented the first large-area, full-color quantum dot display that could lead to the development of displays for the next-generation TVs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and portable game systems.
(PhysOrg.com) -- For more than a decade, researchers have been trying to make TV displays out of quantum dots. Theoretically, quantum dot displays could provide extremely high-resolution images and higher energy efficiencies than current TVs. Now in a new study, researchers have presented the first large-area, full-color quantum dot display that could lead to the development of displays for the next-generation TVs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and portable game systems.
Space & Earth news
New assessment of black carbon and tropospheric ozone's role in climate change
Black carbon (BC) and tropospheric ozone (O3) are harmful air pollutants that also contribute to climate change. The emission of both will continue to negatively impact both human health and climate.
Black carbon (BC) and tropospheric ozone (O3) are harmful air pollutants that also contribute to climate change. The emission of both will continue to negatively impact both human health and climate.
ISU, UI, UNI announce results of groundwater analysis at ash disposal site
The results of voluntary groundwater testing beneath a quarry where the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa deposit coal and biomass ash have shown levels of the sampled constituents all well below state and federal standards.
The results of voluntary groundwater testing beneath a quarry where the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa deposit coal and biomass ash have shown levels of the sampled constituents all well below state and federal standards.
Climate change affecting food safety
Climate change is already having an effect on the safety of the world's food supplies and unless action is taken it's only going to get worse, a Michigan State University professor told a symposium at this year's meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Climate change is already having an effect on the safety of the world's food supplies and unless action is taken it's only going to get worse, a Michigan State University professor told a symposium at this year's meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
'Telecoupling' explains why it's a small world, after all
Understanding and managing how humans and nature sustainably coexist is now so sweeping and lightning fast that it’s spawned a concept. Meet "telecoupling."
Understanding and managing how humans and nature sustainably coexist is now so sweeping and lightning fast that it’s spawned a concept. Meet "telecoupling."
Image: A solar system family portrait, from the inside out
NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft has constructed the first portrait of our solar system by combining 34 images taken by the spacecraft’s Wide Angle Camera on Nov. 3 and 16, 2010.
NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft has constructed the first portrait of our solar system by combining 34 images taken by the spacecraft’s Wide Angle Camera on Nov. 3 and 16, 2010.
Planet could be 'unrecognizable' by 2050, experts say
A growing, more affluent population competing for ever scarcer resources could make for an "unrecognizable" world by 2050, researchers warned at a major US science conference Sunday.
A growing, more affluent population competing for ever scarcer resources could make for an "unrecognizable" world by 2050, researchers warned at a major US science conference Sunday.
Geographer calls for complexity in sustainability science models
Tropical deforestation is intimately linked with urban dynamics and needs to be considered along with the role and effect of national and regional policies on land use decisions, and the dynamics of economic globalization in the next generation of sustainability science research, according to an Arizona State University geographer.
Tropical deforestation is intimately linked with urban dynamics and needs to be considered along with the role and effect of national and regional policies on land use decisions, and the dynamics of economic globalization in the next generation of sustainability science research, according to an Arizona State University geographer.
China Mars probe set for November launch
China's first Mars probe will be launched from a Russian rocket in November, two years later than originally planned, state media reported Monday.
China's first Mars probe will be launched from a Russian rocket in November, two years later than originally planned, state media reported Monday.
Extreme tides flood Marshalls capital
Extreme high tides have flooded parts of the low-lying Marshall Islands capital Majuro with a warning Sunday of worse to come because of rising sea levels.
Extreme high tides have flooded parts of the low-lying Marshall Islands capital Majuro with a warning Sunday of worse to come because of rising sea levels.
New study illustrates shifting biomes in Alaska
A new study released today in the EarlyView of Ecology Letters addresses forest productivity trends in Alaska, highlighting a shift in biomes caused by a warming climate. The findings, conducted by scientists at the Woods Hole Research Center and three other institutions based in Alaska and France, linked satellite observations with an extensive and unique tree-ring data set. Patterns observed support current hypotheses regarding increased growth of evergreen forest at the margins of present tundra and declining productivity at the margins of temperate forest to the south. This study provides a regional picture of forest productivity which did not previously exist.
A new study released today in the EarlyView of Ecology Letters addresses forest productivity trends in Alaska, highlighting a shift in biomes caused by a warming climate. The findings, conducted by scientists at the Woods Hole Research Center and three other institutions based in Alaska and France, linked satellite observations with an extensive and unique tree-ring data set. Patterns observed support current hypotheses regarding increased growth of evergreen forest at the margins of present tundra and declining productivity at the margins of temperate forest to the south. This study provides a regional picture of forest productivity which did not previously exist.
Shedding light on ice sheet collapse through Great Barrier Reef
An international team of scientists jointly led by Dr. Jody Webster, of the University of Sydney, and Dr Yusuke Yokoyama, of the University of Tokyo, is analyzing sediment cores drilled by the research ship, the Greatship Maya, across the Great Barrier Reef last year.
An international team of scientists jointly led by Dr. Jody Webster, of the University of Sydney, and Dr Yusuke Yokoyama, of the University of Tokyo, is analyzing sediment cores drilled by the research ship, the Greatship Maya, across the Great Barrier Reef last year.
Stardust flyby '1,000 percent successful'
In most cases, a Valentine's Day rendezvous that resembles a flight through artillery fire is less than ideal.
In most cases, a Valentine's Day rendezvous that resembles a flight through artillery fire is less than ideal.
NASA: Weather looking good for Thursday launch try
(AP) -- Discovery's astronauts are back at Kennedy Space Center for a launch attempt.
(AP) -- Discovery's astronauts are back at Kennedy Space Center for a launch attempt.
Carbon sink at South Pole has grown recently, historical collections reveal
By studying collections of a marine bryozoan that date back to a famous 1901 expedition to the South Pole, researchers have found that those organisms were growing steadily up until 1990, when their growth more than doubled. The data, reported in the February 22 issue of Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, provide the highest-latitude record of a century of growth and some of the first evidence that polar carbon sinks may be increasing.
By studying collections of a marine bryozoan that date back to a famous 1901 expedition to the South Pole, researchers have found that those organisms were growing steadily up until 1990, when their growth more than doubled. The data, reported in the February 22 issue of Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, provide the highest-latitude record of a century of growth and some of the first evidence that polar carbon sinks may be increasing.
Beijing air pollution off the charts, US says
Thick smog blanketing Beijing went "beyond" measurable pollution levels on Monday, the US embassy said, as a Chinese official warned people to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.
Thick smog blanketing Beijing went "beyond" measurable pollution levels on Monday, the US embassy said, as a Chinese official warned people to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.
Greenland's glaciers double in speed
The contribution of Greenland to global sea level change and the mapping of previously unknown basins and mountains beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet are highlighted in a new film released by Cambridge University this morning.
The contribution of Greenland to global sea level change and the mapping of previously unknown basins and mountains beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet are highlighted in a new film released by Cambridge University this morning.
NASA to launch newest Earth-observation satellite
(AP) -- NASA is set to launch its latest Earth-orbiting satellite on a $424 million mission to analyze airborne grit spewed by volcanoes, forest fires, smokestacks and tailpipes.
(AP) -- NASA is set to launch its latest Earth-orbiting satellite on a $424 million mission to analyze airborne grit spewed by volcanoes, forest fires, smokestacks and tailpipes.
NASA begins countdown for Thursday launch try
(AP) -- After a four-month grounding of the space shuttle fleet, NASA's countdown clocks started ticking again Monday for Discovery's final ride into orbit.
(AP) -- After a four-month grounding of the space shuttle fleet, NASA's countdown clocks started ticking again Monday for Discovery's final ride into orbit.
Too hot, too cold, just right: Testing the limits of where humans can live
On an isolated segment of islands in the Pacific Ring of Fire, residents endure volcanoes, tsunamis, dense fog, steep cliffs and long and chilly winters. Sounds homey, huh?
On an isolated segment of islands in the Pacific Ring of Fire, residents endure volcanoes, tsunamis, dense fog, steep cliffs and long and chilly winters. Sounds homey, huh?
Google Lunar X Prize competition teams aiming for the Moon
(PhysOrg.com) -- The final list of competitors for the robotic Moon explorer prize has been announced. The Google Lunar X first prize total of $20 million will be awarded to the team that is first to transmit high-definition video back from the Moon as its robot travels across at least 500 meters of the Moon’s surface.
(PhysOrg.com) -- The final list of competitors for the robotic Moon explorer prize has been announced. The Google Lunar X first prize total of $20 million will be awarded to the team that is first to transmit high-definition video back from the Moon as its robot travels across at least 500 meters of the Moon’s surface.
NASA instrument gets close-up on Mars rocks
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, will carry a next generation, onboard "chemical element reader" to measure the chemical ingredients in Martian rocks and soil. The instrument is one of 10 that will help the rover in its upcoming mission to determine the past and present habitability of a specific area on the Red Planet. Launch is scheduled between Nov. 25 and Dec. 18, 2011, with landing in August 2012.
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, will carry a next generation, onboard "chemical element reader" to measure the chemical ingredients in Martian rocks and soil. The instrument is one of 10 that will help the rover in its upcoming mission to determine the past and present habitability of a specific area on the Red Planet. Launch is scheduled between Nov. 25 and Dec. 18, 2011, with landing in August 2012.
The search for Earth's missing carbon
Deep beneath the surface of the Earth, a vast and unseen community of strange, microscopic lifeforms quietly subsists on the heat rising from our planet's interior.
Deep beneath the surface of the Earth, a vast and unseen community of strange, microscopic lifeforms quietly subsists on the heat rising from our planet's interior.
Giant galaxies akin to snowflakes in space
(PhysOrg.com) -- Giant galaxies that contain billions of stars are born in much the same way as delicate snowflakes, new research from Swinburne University of Technology has shown.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Giant galaxies that contain billions of stars are born in much the same way as delicate snowflakes, new research from Swinburne University of Technology has shown.
A wealth of molecules in an extreme galaxy
(PhysOrg.com) -- Arp 220 is the closest galaxy to the Milly Way with an extreme luminosity, defined as being more than about 300 times that of our own galaxy. Some dramatic galaxies have values of luminosity ten times brighter still. Astronomers are still piecing together the reasons for these huge energy outputs, while sorting out why our own galaxy is so modest.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Arp 220 is the closest galaxy to the Milly Way with an extreme luminosity, defined as being more than about 300 times that of our own galaxy. Some dramatic galaxies have values of luminosity ten times brighter still. Astronomers are still piecing together the reasons for these huge energy outputs, while sorting out why our own galaxy is so modest.
Plankton key to origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere
Researchers studying the origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere have zeroed in on the major role played by some very unassuming creatures: plankton.
Researchers studying the origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere have zeroed in on the major role played by some very unassuming creatures: plankton.
Global warming means longer allergy seasons: study
Ragweed allergy season in North America has grown two to four weeks longer in recent years because of warmer temperatures and later fall frosts, researchers said.
Ragweed allergy season in North America has grown two to four weeks longer in recent years because of warmer temperatures and later fall frosts, researchers said.
Oldest fossils ever found may not be fossils after all
(PhysOrg.com) -- A rock formation in Western Australia was the site of great excitement a couple of decades ago when it revealed evidence of the oldest fossils of bacteria ever found, but a new study casts doubt on those findings.
(PhysOrg.com) -- A rock formation in Western Australia was the site of great excitement a couple of decades ago when it revealed evidence of the oldest fossils of bacteria ever found, but a new study casts doubt on those findings.
Chemistry news
Warring molecules keep the colon cancer-free
A molecular battle is going on inside your colon, and University of Kansas researchers want neither side to win.
A molecular battle is going on inside your colon, and University of Kansas researchers want neither side to win.
The hidden danger of oxygen
(PhysOrg.com) -- New findings from German researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland help to explain how toxic and allergy-causing substances in our air are formed. The scientists have for the first time detected long lived reactive oxygen intermediates on the surface of aerosol particles. These forms of oxygen survive here for more than 100 seconds and in that time react with other air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. Chemically speaking, the dust particles are oxidized and nitrated. This is what makes soot particles more toxic and increases the potential of pollen to cause allergies.
(PhysOrg.com) -- New findings from German researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland help to explain how toxic and allergy-causing substances in our air are formed. The scientists have for the first time detected long lived reactive oxygen intermediates on the surface of aerosol particles. These forms of oxygen survive here for more than 100 seconds and in that time react with other air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. Chemically speaking, the dust particles are oxidized and nitrated. This is what makes soot particles more toxic and increases the potential of pollen to cause allergies.
Antifungal compound found on tropical seaweed has promising antimalarial properties
A group of chemical compounds used by a species of tropical seaweed to ward off fungus attacks may have promising antimalarial properties for humans. The compounds are part of a unique chemical signaling system that seaweeds use to battle enemies – and that may provide a wealth of potential new pharmaceutical compounds.
A group of chemical compounds used by a species of tropical seaweed to ward off fungus attacks may have promising antimalarial properties for humans. The compounds are part of a unique chemical signaling system that seaweeds use to battle enemies – and that may provide a wealth of potential new pharmaceutical compounds.
Microbially produced ferrous iron may decrease technetium concentrations in groundwater
(PhysOrg.com) -- The long-lasting radionuclide technetium is transported through the subsurface near former nuclear production and processing sites, moving toward rivers and lakes. But its journey can come to an abrupt end if it hits an area containing high levels of reduced iron generated by microbes.
(PhysOrg.com) -- The long-lasting radionuclide technetium is transported through the subsurface near former nuclear production and processing sites, moving toward rivers and lakes. But its journey can come to an abrupt end if it hits an area containing high levels of reduced iron generated by microbes.
Lithium-ion battery with new chemistry could power electric vehicles
(PhysOrg.com) -- While car companies race to develop electric and hybrid electric vehicles, one of the biggest challenges they face is finding a suitable energy storage system. Lithium-ion batteries, which currently power a variety of smaller consumer electronics devices, could ideally fill this role. But at the moment, they require further improvements in terms of energy density and power density in order to be used effectively in electric vehicles. Now in a new study, researchers have developed a novel type of lithium-ion battery with an anode and cathode that involve new, advanced battery chemistries, greatly improving the battery’s performance and likely making it suitable for electric vehicles.
(PhysOrg.com) -- While car companies race to develop electric and hybrid electric vehicles, one of the biggest challenges they face is finding a suitable energy storage system. Lithium-ion batteries, which currently power a variety of smaller consumer electronics devices, could ideally fill this role. But at the moment, they require further improvements in terms of energy density and power density in order to be used effectively in electric vehicles. Now in a new study, researchers have developed a novel type of lithium-ion battery with an anode and cathode that involve new, advanced battery chemistries, greatly improving the battery’s performance and likely making it suitable for electric vehicles.
Provided by PhysOrg.com
