The researchers studied 18 national political conventions between 1972 and 2004, and found no statistically significant impact on personal income or local employment when comparing host cities with control cities that didn't host events.

WSJ: Why Mega-Events May Not Mean Mega-Bucks

The research team, which also includes the university's department of chemistry and scientists at the University of the West of England, is growing each of the algae from the Roman Baths over a range of temperatures and comparing them to "control" algae known for being good for producing biodiesel at normal temperatures.

BBC: Bath's Roman Baths algae could fuel cars

"We don't have any specific research comparing SUVs with and without electronic stability control in winter-road conditions, " says Rader.

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