April 30th, 2012
Almost every tow we did contained plastic, regardless of the depth.
Giora Proskurowski, a University of Washington researcher. His new research has found that natural ocean processes such as wind, drag, turbulence and wave height can push the plastic deep down, where it floats along, suspended underwater and unobserved by people examining the ocean’s surface.

The new report claims scientists have only skimmed the surface on the devastating pollution caused by plastic debris in the ocean, and the research community is likely underestimating the amount of plastic in the ocean. Read more.
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June 6th, 2011
Elsewhere in bizarre homeland security research, scientists draw clues from the way we walk

From our homeland security reporter G.W. Schulz.

ageofperil:

We’ve told you before about research underway to “detect intent” at airports, i.e. expose terrorists by measuring various physiological qualities like heart rate, micro-facial expressions, breathing patterns and more.

In related news this week, scientists at the University of Southampton in England say they are, ahem, one step closer to using the way you and I walk as an indicator of terrorist intent.

Up to a dozen cameras help establish a “unique” signature of your walk, and so far, accuracy rates have reached over 90 percent. According to the school, research coordinators “tried to fool the software by swapping clothes, wearing hats and scarves, and even a motorcycle helmet . The technology stood up to all these tests.”

Says Professor Mark Nixon:

“People are unique by quite a variety of different measures, and that rich diversity is fascinating.”

Image: Mike Mertz

Reblogged from Perilous
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homeland security
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terrorism
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June 2nd, 2011
Zoom thenewrepublic: United States of Science! Brilliant map of how each state shines in science, nature and public health, courtesy of Mother Nature Network.

thenewrepublic:

United States of Science! Brilliant map of how each state shines in science, nature and public health, courtesy of Mother Nature Network.

Reblogged from The Atlantic
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