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Science News for December 23, 2011


Researchers evaluate conservation of island bird species in the context of climate change

A new study proposes four proactive management options for conservation of island bird species, including captive propagation and vaccination against diseases enhanced by climate change. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance highlights the importance of acting now to prevent long-term survival challenges faced by the island scrub-jay.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalBioScience·DateDec 23, 2011

Millipede border control better than ours

A mysterious line dividing two millipede species in northwest Tasmania reveals a 'border control' mechanism that surpasses human capabilities. The boundary is approximately 230 km long and meets at only one point, with the millipedes rarely entering each other's territory.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 23, 2011

Go to work on a Christmas card

Researchers at Imperial College London found that UK's discarded wrapping paper and Christmas cards can be turned into high-grade biofuel, powering vehicles with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that using this technology could provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 23, 2011

What are emotion expressions for?

The study suggests that facial expressions evolved as a physiological response to threats, but also took on social roles in human evolution. The authors propose the concept of 'exaptation' and 'ritualization,' where original functions changed over time to become social signals.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 23, 2011