Comp Sci
Simulations make earthquake hazards less shaky ELIZABETH STOREY
We may never predict earthquakes, but computer models are putting emergency response plans on much more solid ground. In a talk not far from one of the country's seismic hot spots, seismologist Thomas Jordan of the Southern California Earthquake Center discussed "Understanding Earthquakes Through Large-Scale Simulations" on 20 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego.
Genetics
Small changes in genetic code leads to big differences in organisms JENNIFER DEBERARDINIS
One small variation in a person's genetic code can be the difference between a drug helping treat a disease—or causing a severe and possibly fatal reaction. That's one reason why it is vital for scientists to learn how people's genetics translates into differences in physical traits or behaviors, such as how they respond to certain drugs, according to researchers presenting 20 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego.
Medicine
Therapy explores how music-language connection can help stroke victims REBECCA HERSHER
New research suggests that some stroke victims who have lost the ability to speak can be helped by a therapy that connects speech to music, according to a presentation 20 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego.
Socio-Genetics
Genetically modified animals have potential for food and medicine, with caution MARIANNE ENGLISH
Nanotechnology and synthetic biology are emerging tools that can help feed a burgeoning world population and stave off food-borne illnesses, stated a group of researchers on 21 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego.
Socio-Medicine
Brain imaging in the courtroom: Pretty pictures or hard evidence? KATIE PALMER
The jury is out on the use of neuroimaging as hard evidence in the American courtroom, concluded a panel of legal and academic experts convened on 20 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego. The panel, composed of California Superior Court judge Luis Rodriguez, litigators Henry Greely and Robert Knaier, and expert witnesses James Brewer and Michael Rafii, presented a mock trial of the hypothetical Will Johnson, accused murderer and victim of a severe brain lesion.
Sociology
Beyond money: Measuring quality of life for individuals and society MATTHEW SCULT
While economic measures are often used to determine standards of living, measurements of well-being better reflect both people's wealth and human-rights situations, stated researchers on 20 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego.
Climate
Can we feed the world without destroying the planet? JESS MCNALLY
With Earth's population expected to reach 9 billion by 2040, the question of how to feed the world has never been more pressing. During a 20 February symposium on global food security at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego, researchers discussed how an increasing population, rising incomes, and a warming, unpredictable climate system are likely to place unprecedented demands on the planet's food systems.
Health Care
Improving health means going beyond health care DAVID LAVINE
To prevent disease and improve health, public policy should acknowledge issues not traditionally considered part of health care. Those include city planning, business and media, according to scientists who spoke on 20 February at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego.
Education
Science education standards: A broken system? ELIZABETH LINDHARDT ROBINSON
Science education standards aren't supposed to be funny, but when Melanie Cooper showed the South Carolina chemistry standards to an audience of scientists and educators at the 2010 AAAS Conference in San Diego, she got a laugh that would be the envy of any stand-up comic.
Education
Fostering a lifelong love of science outside the classroom SARA CODY
How do children learn science outside of the classroom? At a morning symposium on 20 February, titled "Learning Science in Informal Environments," an audience at the 2010 AAAS meeting in San Diego heard about an especially vivid example.
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Alex
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