Culture | Page 2815 | Science Codex

Statement by Sandy Andelman, co-author of 'Drought sensitivity of the Amazon Rainforest'

Here is a statement from Dr. Sandy Andelman, co-author of the study titled "Drought Sensitivity of the Amazon Rainforest" and Vice-President of the TEAM Network at Conservation International:

"With most of the climate change debate focusing on energy security and food security, this study emphasizes the fundamental importance of ecosystem security – in short, how nature keeps us healthy. It shows that a warming climate is not the only problem; drying climate is just as bad or worse for both nature and people.

Markets outperform patents in promoting intellectual discovery, say Caltech-led economists

PASADENA, Calif.--When it comes to intellectual curiosity and creativity, a market economy in which inventors can buy and sell shares of the key components of their discoveries actually beats out the winner-takes-all world of patent rights as a motivating force, according to a California Institute of Technology (Caltech)-led team of researchers.

Study finds that students benefit from depth, rather than breadth, in high school science courses

A recent study reports that high school students who study fewer science topics, but study them in greater depth, have an advantage in college science classes over their peers who study more topics and spend less time on each.

Robert Tai, associate professor at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, worked with Marc S. Schwartz of the University of Texas at Arlington and Philip M. Sadler and Gerhard Sonnert of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics to conduct the study and produce the report.

What consumers want: MSU researchers pinpoint common threads

"The advantage for the business owner," she added, "is now that I know what is important to the customer I can allocate my resources, my strategy and the systems I put in place to enhance that total experience. And that's your competitive advantage."

Ecologists propose first prevention for white-nose syndrome death in bats

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a poorly understood condition that, in the two years since its discovery, has spread to at least seven northeastern states and killed as many as half a million bats. Now researchers have suggested the first step toward a measure that may help save the affected bats: providing localized heat sources to the hibernating animals.

Supply chain report reveals need to improve supplier awareness of climate change threats

The first ever global collaboration on climate change between major organisations and their suppliers demonstrates the need for increased supplier awareness of the regulatory, physical and general risks that climate change poses to their business. Of 634 suppliers surveyed globally by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), only 58% considered that climate change posed a risk to their operations, while one third said it posed no risk, showing there is still a lack of understanding from suppliers of the business threats from climate change.

Cell phone studies: While walking or driving, cell phones increase traffic, pedestrian fatalities

Cell phones are a danger on the road in more ways than one. Two new studies show that talking on the phone while traveling, whether you're driving or on foot, is increasing both pedestrian deaths and those of drivers and passengers, and recommend crackdowns on cell use by both pedestrians and drivers. The new studies, lead-authored by Rutgers University, Newark, Economics Professor Peter D.

MIT: 'Nanostitching' could strengthen airplane skins, more

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--MIT engineers are using carbon nanotubes only billionths of a meter thick to stitch together aerospace materials in work that could make airplane skins and other products some 10 times stronger at a nominal increase in cost.

Ben-Gurion University engineers develop technique to help combat nuclear proliferation

BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL, March 4, 2009 – Ben-Gurion University of the Negev engineers have developed a technique to "denature" plutonium created in large nuclear reactors, making it unsuitable for use in nuclear arms. By adding Americium (Am 241), a form of the basic synthetic element found in commercial smoke detectors and industrial gauges, plutonium can only be used for peaceful purposes.

Mountain on Mars may answer big question

The Martian volcano Olympus Mons is about three times the height of Mount Everest, but it's the small details that Rice University professors Patrick McGovern and Julia Morgan are looking at in thinking about whether the Red Planet ever had – or still supports – life.

Using a computer modeling system to figure out how Olympus Mons came to be, McGovern and Morgan reached the surprising conclusion that pockets of ancient water may still be trapped under the mountain. Their research is published in February's issue of the journal Geology.

Unclear regulations obstacle to biological diversity

International environmental law on biological diversity is now being called into question in a dissertation at Uppsala University. Unclear legislation entails that biological diversity falls under an old legal system, and this negatively affects coordinated efforts, according to Aðalheiður Jóhannsdóttir.

On March 5 she will publicly defend her dissertation in environmental law. International environmental law involving biological diversity, the object of study, is called into question.

The first virtual reality technology to let you see, hear, smell, taste and touch

The first virtual reality headset that can stimulate all five senses will be unveiled at a major science event in London on March 4th.

What was it really like to live in Ancient Egypt? What did the streets there actually look, sound and smell like? For decades, Virtual Reality has held out the hope that, one day, we might be able visit all kinds of places and periods as 'virtual' tourists.

To date, though, Virtual Reality devices have not been able to stimulate simultaneously all five senses with a high degree of realism.

Tropical lizards can't take the heat of climate warming

From geckos and iguanas to Gila monsters and Komodo dragons, lizards are among the most common reptiles on Earth. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. One even pitches car insurance in TV ads. They seemingly can adapt to a variety of conditions, but are most abundant in the tropics.

However, new research that builds on data collected more than three decades ago demonstrates that lizards living in tropical forests in Central and South America and the Caribbean could be in serious peril from rising temperatures associated with climate change.

Psychologists' study finds TV ratings for kids' shows don't reflect aggressive content

AMES, Iowa -- A new study by psychologists from Iowa State University and Linfield (Ore.) College has found that TV ratings don't accurately reflect the aggressive content found in shows popular among children -- even cartoons.

His and hers: Study examines the role of gender in the stigma of mental illness

The mentally ill don't get a fair shake in this country. Many employers don't want to hire them, and health insurers don't want to treat their illnesses. Even within their own communities and families, the mentally ill are often treated with contempt and outright anger. There have been many efforts to combat the stigma of mental illness, but with limited success at best. That's in part because the stereotypes are so powerful: Mental patients are either violently dangerous or docile and incompetent. We fear the first and disdain the latter.