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Science News Archive June 2016 - Page 28


Page 28 of 40

On land and at sea, large animals are in 'double jeopardy'

A new study reveals that large marine and terrestrial species are in 'double jeopardy' of extinction, with economic value driving risk above a certain threshold. The analysis highlights the importance of considering trade and differences between terrestrial and marine animals when designing effective conservation strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 9, 2016

Metal exposure -- a factor in bat population decline

A national assessment of metal contamination in bats reveals high levels of metals such as lead, copper, and cadmium that can cause toxic effects in bat populations. Around 21% of sampled bats contained residues of at least one metal above toxic thresholds, indicating a significant proportion may be affected by metal exposure.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJun 9, 2016

How El Niño impacts global temperatures

Scientists uncovered century-scale patterns in Pacific rainfall and temperature linked to global climate changes over the past 2000 years. El Niño-like states have amplified global climate fluctuations, with northern hemisphere warming and droughts corresponding to an El Niño state from 950 to 1250.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2016

The Texas butterfly effect

Researchers from Michigan State University create a new model to estimate summer monarch abundance in Ohio and Illinois through their migration through Texas. Higher populations are associated with average to above-average precipitation and cooler temperatures in Texas during spring.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJun 9, 2016

Amino acid sequences are key to the properties of silks

A new study from RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science reveals that amino acid sequences are key determinants of silk fiber material properties. The research sheds light on the unique properties of silkworm silks, including their mechanical and thermal behavior.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2016

Madrid sin Barreras

Researchers in Madrid are working on a three-year project to improve laws regarding disability, focusing on universal design and accessibility. They aim to integrate all stakeholders and create new specialists in disability support, while analyzing existing regulations and proposals to develop alternative frameworks.

Using Lake Michigan turtles to measure wetland pollution

Researchers found that Lake Michigan painted and snapping turtles carry all eight metals, with concentrations correlating with soil assessments in the wetlands. The turtles' long lifespan and position in the food chain make them useful indicators of wetland pollution, potentially posing a health risk to humans who consume them.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateJun 9, 2016

UTMB study shows pulmonary rehabilitation underutilized by physicians and COPD patients

A new study from UTMB reveals that pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is underutilized despite its health benefits and cost-effectiveness in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found that the majority of economic burden of COPD stems from hospitalizations, which can be reduced by PR.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 9, 2016

Take a picture, you'll enjoy it more

Researchers found that people who take photos of their experiences enjoy them more than those who don't. Photo-taking increases engagement, making the experience more pleasurable. However, the effect is limited to active participation and not when taking pictures interferes with the experience.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 9, 2016

Stanford researchers calculate groundwater levels from satellite data

A new computer algorithm enables scientists to use satellite data to determine groundwater levels across larger areas than ever before. The technique, developed at Stanford University, could lead to better models of groundwater flow and monitoring in agricultural regions. The team was able to calculate surface deformations and groundwa...

Witnesses can catch criminals by smell

Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who witnessed a crime can identify criminals through their distinctive scent. Human nose-witnesses were able to correctly identify perpetrators in almost 70% of cases, showing promise for forensic applications.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 9, 2016

Proteome of an entire family

A large-scale proteomic study using SWATH-MS technique reveals specific proteins responsible for fat and energy metabolism in mice. The researchers found that COX7A2L protein plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and its deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2016