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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 31

New model predicts fish population response to dams, other ecological factors

Researchers developed a model to assess how dams affect sea-run fish populations, finding that abundance and distribution increased when mainstem dams were removed or passage efficiency improved. The model can predict ecological responses of fish populations and evaluate management actions for fish migrating between fresh and saltwater.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateMay 21, 2015

Toward 'green' paper-thin, flexible electronics

Scientists have created a light-emitting, transparent and flexible paper out of biocompatible materials, a significant step towards bendable electronics. The innovation uses wood flour and quantum dots made from zinc and selenium, offering a 'greener' alternative to traditional plastics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 20, 2015

Robotic sonar system inspired by bats

Engineers at Virginia Tech have created a novel dynamic sonar system inspired by horseshoe bats that can navigate complex environments with ease. The system uses two receiving channels and one emitting channel to replicate the key motions in the bat's ears and nose, reducing power consumption and computing resources.

Measuring air quality effects of natural gas extraction in Marcellus Shale region

A Drexel University team conducted a mobile air quality monitoring campaign to assess the impact of natural gas extraction on air quality in the Marcellus Shale region. The study found relatively small increases in air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals, with elevated ultrafine particles from compressor s...

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 20, 2015

Study: Include men in osteoporosis screening guidelines

A recent study found that one in four men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, surpassing prostate cancer incidence rates. The research suggests adding men to osteoporosis screening guidelines to address the high likelihood of vertebral fractures and low bone density.

SourceMediaSource·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2015

Male Java sparrows may 'drum' to their songs

Researchers found that male Java sparrows synchronize their bill-clicking sounds with the melody of their song, similar to human percussionists. This behavior suggests that birds may have an innate ability to produce and coordinate non-vocal sounds with vocalizations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2015

Resolving a lymphatic riddle

Weizmann Institute researchers resolved the debate on lymphatic system origins, discovering that lymphatic cells grow from a niche within embryonic veins. They also identified a key gene, WNT5B, which prompts stem cells to differentiate into lymphatic cells.

Scientists discover world's oldest stone tools

The discovery of stone tools in northwestern Kenya pushes the known date back by 700,000 years and may challenge the notion that modern humans' ancestors were the first to create such tools. The tools suggest an earlier group of proto-humans may have had the thinking abilities needed to figure out how to make sharp-edged tools.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

Gun violence restraining orders: A promising strategy to reduce gun violence in the US

A new report suggests that gun violence restraining orders can be a promising strategy for reducing firearm homicide and suicide in the US. GVROs allow family members or intimate partners to request an order from a civil court, authorizing law enforcement to remove guns from the individual's possession and prohibiting new purchases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBehavioral Sciences & the Law·DateMay 20, 2015

Seeing without eyes

Researchers found that octopus skin can sense light changes without central nervous system input, using the same opsin proteins as its eyes. This allows for a response to brightness and color, enabling camouflage and communication. The discovery has implications for understanding cephalopod behavior and evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 20, 2015

A statistical study of first-year college rape

A statistical study of first-year college rape found that 18.6% of freshmen women experienced completed or attempted rape, with a significant increase in risk among women who had previously been victimized. The study emphasizes the need for colleges to develop effective prevention and counseling programs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 20, 2015

What happens inside a membrane

Researchers at SISSA have developed a novel method to analyze the structure of biological proteins immersed in their physiological context. This technique allows for excellent spatial resolution and study of molecules in their natural environment, providing new insights into the opening/closing mechanism of major ion channels. The stud...

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2015