In very non-scientific terms, it can be described as a type of ape-man with anatomical similarities to the modern ape and the modern human.

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In scientific terms, probably the most significant effect of the Sea Empress spill has been felt by a tiny creature known as the brooding cushion-star, or Asterina phylactica to those in the know.

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For scientific and technical terms, indeed, it is surprising, given the speed of change in those vocabularies, that the spread is not greater: it must be easier to say magnetic resonance imaging than to dream up an equivalent in Tagalog or Persian.

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It's the first opportunity to tell the world about what we're bringing in terms of scientific excellence and sustainability.

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Of all these "whacky-but-workable" theories the one that has perhaps generated the most interest, both in terms of scientific plausibility and practical implementation, is that of solar reflection.

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"Most developing countries have so far been unable to take full advantage of the advances offered by new information and communication technologies in terms of access to scientific and technological information and learning opportunities, " Mr Matsuura said, calling for international frameworks to help Member States formulate national policies that facilitate access for all to essential information.

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As an institution, CRU has survived the episode with its main scientific staff still functioning, but with reforms to its operation in terms of increased openness - changes that many mainstream scientists believe will be beneficial to all in the long run.

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In common terms, a lack of direct observations and a lack of agreement in scientific studies means such assertions amount to unproven speculation rather than fact.

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