Research Report - Biodegradable farming sensors; North Pole on the move; and more from CU Boulder

The North Pole is moving. Here’s why that matters.

Earth’s northern magnetic pole is moving quickly away from the Canadian Arctic toward Siberia, new CU Boulder research shows. The shift will prompt changes in the navigational software used by the military, commercial airlines and more. Read more at the Associated Press.

FUNDING: NASA / NOAA

Biodegradable sensors aim to make farming more efficient

CU Boulder engineers are testing a network of 3D-printed biodegradable soil sensors aimed at allowing farmers to affordably and efficiently monitor crop conditions. Read more about the research.

FUNDING: DOE ARPA-E

Household tasks contribute to poor indoor air quality

Cooking, cleaning and other routine household activities generate significant levels of volatile and particulate chemicals inside the average home, CU Boulder research findsin the most comprehensive investigation of its kind. Unlike outdoor pollution, indoor pollution is not regulated, even though people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors. Read more at The Guardian.

FUNDING: NOAA

Brain chemistry holds clues to monogamy, mourning

CU Boulder neuroscientists have identified some of the mechanisms that allow humans to form close social bonds, including monogamous relationships. The research also addresses the brain’s reaction when those bonds are severed. Read more at Newsy.

FUNDING: NIH