In A First, Drilling For Oil Linked To Killer US Quakes

New research suggests that oil drilling decades ago may have triggered earthquakes in the Los Angeles region, including the 1933 quake that killed more than 100 people. If confirmed, it would be the first time oil operations have been linked to an earthquake in the US. Scientists from the US Geological Survey identified several quakes in the 1920s and 1930s that were caused by industrial activities, including the 6.4 magnitude jolt that struck Long Beach in 1933. Until now, researchers are pretty much assumed that earthquakes in the LA area are natural and that induced earthquakes are either not happening or not significant. Drilling techniques have changed through the decades, so the findings don’t necessarily point to a current risk. Man made quakes have been in the spotlight after an uptick in seismic activity in Oklahoma and Texas. Studies have linked the spike to the practice of injecting wastewater into the ground after drilling for oil and gas using technologies such as hydraulic fracturing. The induced quakes have rattled nerves and caused property damage, but no deaths. Southern California’s oil boom sparked in 1892 when oil was discovered near what would become the site of Dodge Stadium, north of downtown LA. After tapping the wells dry, drillers headed to points south, including Santa Fe Springs, Inglewood, Torrance and Long Beach. In the study, researchers list of quakes between 1915 and 1930 and reviewed oil permits and drilling operations during that period. They found 13 cases of shaking that may have been caused by ramping up of oil production. The Long Beach quake hit not long after operators began drilling wells at different angles. Some 115 people died, and many schools collapsed, spurring new laws requiring stricter building standards.

Your DNA Can Tell How Many Kids You'll Have

The age at which you will have your first child and the number of kids you are likely to have may be encoded in your DNA, say scientists who found that genetic data can be used to accurately predict our reproductive behavior. The study, led by researchers at University of Oxford, includes an analysis of 62 datasets with information from 2,38,064 men and women on the age at which they had their first child and 3,30,000 men and women for the number of children. Until now, reproductive behavior was thought to be linked to personal choices or social circumstance. Researchers also found that women with DNA variants for postponing parenthood also have bits of DNA code associated with later onset of menstruation and later menopause. The study shows that DNA variants linked with the age at which people have their firstborn are also associated with characteristics reflecting reproduction and sexual development, such as the age at which girls have their first period, when the voice breaks in boys and at what stage women experience their menopause.

NASA Develops Technology To Prevent Flight Delays

NASA has developed a way to prevent flight delays using a new technology that safely increases the number of airplanes that can land on the same runway at busy airports by more precisely managing the time between each aircraft arrival. Less time in the air also means additional savings in expensive jet fuel and reduces aircraft emissions, and passengers would enjoy an increased chance their flights – connecting or otherwise – will arrive on time. Current air traffic control technology and procedures can predict arrival times to within a minute or so. The Flight Deck Interval Management (FIM) is expected to enable controllers and the airport to count on aircraft arriving within five to ten seconds of a predicted time. The cockpit-based prototype FIM system combines NASA developed software with commercially available hardware and connects the system to the aircraft’s onboard information and navigation systems. FIM allows controllers to deliver the aircraft more precisely and more predictably, which is a huge advantage that helps the airlines and airport operators more efficiently manage air traffic to minimize delays.

Soon, Milk Chocolate With Benefits Of Dark Without The Bitter Taste

Scientists have found a way to give milk chocolate the nutritional benefits of dark chocolate without affecting the taste. Adding chocolate gives it the same antioxidant property of dark chocolate, according to researchers from North Carolina State University. The compounds were made into a sweet edible powder, which was then incorporated into product. A total of 80 people were given samples and normal milk chocolate and results showed they were liked an equal amount. The tests showed that the amount of peanut skin added to the chocolate did not affect the taste enough for people to realize the difference. If applied to commercial products, peanut skin extracts would allow consumers to enjoy mild tasting products and have exposure to compounds that have proven health benefits. As peanut skins are a byproduct of the peanut industry, the author is hoping their work will provide a purpose for an otherwise discarded product.