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Science News for April 23, 2017


Timing and duration matters for school lunch and recess

A new study finds that the duration and timing of school lunch and recess affect food choices and physical activity in children. Research suggests that scheduling recess before lunch reduces food waste, but may lead to consuming more vegetables when lunch is offered first, and increased physical activity during longer combined periods.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017

Conservation not an effective tool for reducing infectious disease in people, study finds

A new study found that increased biodiversity is not associated with reduced levels of infectious disease, and in some cases, disease burdens actually increased as areas became more forested. However, increasing urbanization was shown to reduce disease due to improved access to medical care and vaccinations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 23, 2017

Synchronized voltage rhythms could maintain the body's clock

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that voltage rhythms are synchronized across the entire suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), maintaining a tissue-wide rhythm. This discovery suggests that inter-cellular interactions within the SCN may be responsible for synchronizing voltage changes, separate from asynchronous calcium rhythms.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Solar cell design with over 50 percent energy-conversion efficiency

Researchers at Kobe University developed a new solar cell structure that can absorb spectral components of longer wavelengths, increasing energy conversion efficiency to over 50%. The design achieved up-conversion based on two photons, reducing energy loss by over 100 times compared to previous methods.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2017

An intimate look at the mechanics of dolphin sex

A new study by Dara Orbach, PhD, uses computed tomography scans and silicone models to visualize the anatomy of dolphin copulation. The research reveals complex vaginal folds and spirals that interact with the penis during fertilization.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017

Totally bizarre facts about the star-nosed mole

The star-nosed mole possesses an extremely efficient nervous system that enables it to identify and eat food in under 2 seconds. Its distinctive star organ contains over 100,000 nerve fibers, making it the most sensitive known touch organ in any mammal.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Beta blocker shows cancer-fighting properties

Researchers discovered carvedilol's protective effect against UVB-induced cell damage that leads to skin cancer. The study suggests carvedilol could be incorporated into a skin cream or spray to prevent skin cancer.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017