Comments Off on Beaching Whales and Solar Radiation

By admin, January 24, 2012 7:11 pm

whales and solar radiation

Surges of solar activity may cause whales to run aground, possibly by disrupting their internal compass, German scientists suggest.

University of Kiel researchers Dr Klaus Vaneslow and Dr Klaus Ricklefs publish their study in the latest issue of the Journal of Sea Research.

The scientists looked at sightings of sperm whales beached in the North Sea between 1712 and 2003.

They then compared this record with astronomers’ observations of sunspots, an indicator of solar radiation.

More whale strandings occurred when the Sun’s activity was high, they found.

The Sun experiences cycles of activity that range from eight to 17 years, with 11 years being the average.

Short cycles are linked with periods of high-energy output, while long cycles are believed to be low energy.

Changes in levels of solar radiation have a big effect on Earth’s magnetic field.

The most notable events are discharges of highly-charged particles or solar flares. These cause shimmering lights, called aurorae, in the magnetic fields in polar regions.

Big solar flares can also disrupt telecommunications and power lines and knock out delicate electronic circuitry on satellites.

Comments Off on Whales Beaching – Solar Radiation

By admin, January 24, 2012 7:07 pm

Seems related

Comments Off on Study suggests high-protein diet cuts weight

By admin, January 23, 2012 2:30 pm

diet high in protein, combined with regular dietician sessions, is more effective at helping young women lose weight, research shows.

A University of Sydney study looked at the effect of diet, exercise and behaviour change in 71 overweight and obese women aged 18 to 25 over a year.

The women were randomly placed on either a higher protein or a higher carbohydrate diet, with both diets providing a similar amount of kilojoules, saturated fat and fibre.

All participants also met with a dietician at least monthly and walked for 30 minutes every day.

After 12 months, all the women recorded significant drops in body weight.

However, the women on the higher protein diet lost nearly twice as much weight and fat as those on the carbohydrate diet.

“The women reported the higher protein diet kept them fuller for longer and had a positive effect on self-esteem,” researcher Dr Helen O’Connor said.
“They also had better iron levels, compared with the women on the higher carbohydrate diet.”

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/lifestyle/12694614/study-suggests-high-protein-diet-cuts-weight/