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SciTech Birth Day: February 11
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02. Alternative Energy
03. Computer Power
04. Nanotechnology
05. Stem Cells
06. Communications
07. Hydrocarbon Use
08. Clean Transportation
09. Online Information
10. DNA Decoding
11. Cell Biology
12. Photonics
13. Proteomics
14. Quantum Physics
15. Genetic Modification
16. Degrading Oceans
17. Robotics
18. Nanomedicine
19. Neuroscience
20. Extending Lifespan
21. Overpopulation
22. Scientific Instruments
23. Synthetic Biology
24. Nuclear Physics
25. Artificial Intelligence
26. Body Implants
27. Major Disease Cures
28. Water Shortage
29. Species Loss
30. Brain Enhancement
31. Origin of Life
32. Sensor Technology
33. Pandemics
34. Exogenous Life
35. Dark Matters
36. Cosmology
37. Energy Storage
38. Virtual/Augmented Reality
39. Space Exploration
40. Impact Event
Impact Areas listed in order of ranking

Satellites see California sucked dry
According to GRACE (two satellites called the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment), within six years drought and irrigation in central California and the Sierra Nevada mountains has lost enough water to equal Lake Meade, the largest reservoir in the United States. GRACE is (are?) satellites that monitor the miniscule differences in Earth’s field of gravity. The gravity field changes because of moving water in the land, ocean, ice, and atmosphere. The recordings are sensitive enough to note changes in the water content (in effect by weighing) of specific regions. In this case, central California, in another case it was northern India.
GRACE was designed from the beginning to provide data on water volume changes that can be measured by comparing the strength of the gravity field over specific regions on a month to month basis. These changes, such as the rate of water loss in California, can be used to spot potential droughts or provide a regional profile of the water loss.
Unfortunately water shortage problems are global, and GRACE can only cover small portions – typically those most exposed to drought and over-irrigation. Nonetheless, the GRACE data are invaluable to developing a picture of the water supply and usage. GRACE is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center.