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Earthquake Prediction Still Stymies Scientists

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Despite years of research, scientists still cannot predict when the next earthquake will strike.

In recent years, a camp has emerged that's more hopeful. It's pushed by researchers using satellites who say it may be possible to someday predict quakes from space and others who think they can tease out signals in rocks.

Mainstream seismologists remain skeptical about the claims. The two groups recently met in Los Angeles to start a dialogue.

Scientists have been trying to solve the riddle for decades. They've studied everything that might be a sign of an approaching quake including ground warping, weird weather and animal behavior.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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