This week's top research stories include a study that sheds light on what causes schizophrenia, a look at the recent "atmospheric river" weather pattern's affect on California's snow-water deficit and a study that points to legacy media giants giving way to new and partisan outlets when it comes to the agenda-setting of other news outlets.
Nicotine normalizes brain deficits key to schizophrenia
A steady stream of nicotine normalizes genetically-induced impairments in brain activity associated with schizophrenia, according to new research involving CU Boulder researchers. The finding sheds light on what causes the disease and why those who have it tend to smoke heavily.
Recent storms recouped 37 percent of California鈥檚 five-year snow-water deficit
The recent 鈥渁tmospheric river鈥� weather pattern that pummeled California with storms from late December to late-January may have recouped 37 percent of the state鈥檚 five-year snow-water deficit, according to new University of Colorado Boulder-led research.
Using NASA satellite data, computer models, and ground-based snow sensors, researchers at CU Boulder鈥檚 Center for Water Earth Science and Technology (CWEST) estimate that the recent storms deposited roughly 17.5 million acre feet of water during the month of January. Compared to averages from the pre-drought satellite record, that amount represents over 120 percent of the typical annual snow accumulation for the Sierra Nevada range.
Legacy media giants give way to new and partisan outlets in agenda-setting
For decades, two of America鈥檚 legacy media giants, The New York Times and The Washington Post, have had the biggest influence in setting the agenda for other news outlets. Journalists and bloggers around the country took their cues from the two outlets, creating a trickle-down effect in which content spread from these legacy media leaders toward smaller and newer publications.
However, this tradition no longer stands, according to a听new paper听led by CU Boulder, involving Boston University and recently published in the听Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly.
A new study听involving CU Boulder researchers sheds light on what causes听schizophrenia.
When it comes to agenda-setting, it鈥檚 out with the old, in with the new media, CU Boulder researchers say.