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- Comet ISON could be the brightest thing in the sky next year
Comet ISON could be brighter than the moon as it approaches Earth at the end of next year, according to reports by several astronomers. The comet -- if it survives its projected close trajectory with the sun -- is expected to blaze across Earth's sky from October 2013 through January 2014. The comet is expected to be similar to one reported in 1680, whose bright tail reportedly could be seen during the day. Reuters
(12/28)
    
 | How to recharge learning recovery
In learning recovery, a deeper leadership mindset can be the most critical tool of all. On May 16 at 2 p.m. ET, join educator Jonah Schenker for a SmartSummit on "Closing the gap: Better learning recovery through deeper leadership." Sign up now. |
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| Science in the News
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- Astronomers: Asteroid will not hit Earth in 2040
A large asteroid projected to pass by the Earth in 28 years will clear the planet by at least 550,000 miles, Space.com reports. Using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, astronomers were able to verify that the 460-foot rock would not adversely affect Earth, supporting a June study released by NASA. Space.com
(12/26)
- Study: Dragonflies may show ability to focus like humans
Dragonflies may be capable of selective attention, a trait previously only found in primates and humans, according to research published in the journal Current Biology. Researchers say that by using the insect's ability to screen out various distractions and focus on the key target, they could discover the key to how selective attention works and use the information on intelligent robots. LiveScience.com
(12/27)
- Medical study could offer clues into cellulosic biofuel development
A study at the University of Virginia School of Medicine aimed at preventing the spread of bacterial infections could help scientists find better ways to break down cellulose in plant cells for biofuel production. "One argument would be that understanding how cellulose microfibrils are being formed might allow us to design/engineer plants with optimized cell walls for biofuel production," said one of the researchers. The study appears online in the December issue of the journal Nature. BiomassMagazine.com
(12/27)
| Funding Watch
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- India spending plan commits billions to international projects
India's newly released, five-year spending plan proposes reserving $24 billion for research and development projects, including a planned optical telescope in Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The plan also backs investments made in the Square Kilometre Array, a powerful radio telescope being constructed in Australia and South Africa, as well as several other projects at home. Nature
(12/30)
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- Network will bolster access to scientific research in Latin America
Nine Latin American countries have partnered to create an online collective of scientific publications estimated to benefit millions of teachers, researchers and students. LA Referencia, launched in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last month, is being touted as a network of repositories that will give open access to scientific research by the participating countries. SciDev.net
(12/28)
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In observance of New Year's Day, SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday. Publication will resume Wednesday. Enjoy the holiday!
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