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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 1 of 40

Teachers lacking educational background in science use inquiry-oriented instruction least

A new study found that eighth-grade science teachers without an educational background in science are less likely to practice inquiry-oriented science instruction, a pedagogical approach developed by the National Research Council. This research suggests that U.S. middle-grades students may lag behind global peers in scientific literacy...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalThe Elementary School Journal·DateJun 30, 2018

Regional Earth system modeling: Review and future directions

The regional climate modeling community has made significant progress in developing regional earth system models (RESMs), which account for the atmosphere, ocean, land, sea ice, and other key components. Researchers highlight the need for further development, including the inclusion of human factors and interactive biosphere elements.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 29, 2018

Viruses are found to be the most common cause of meningitis but diagnosis is often delayed

A new study found that viruses are the most common cause of meningitis in adults and diagnosis is often delayed due to unnecessary brain scans. This can lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics and prolonged hospital stays. Prompt investigation with a lumbar puncture can help identify the specific virus or bacteria causing the illness.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 29, 2018

Lemurs can smell weakness in each other

A study on ring-tailed lemurs found that physical injury alters their natural scents, making them detectable to others. This change in scent allows males to detect weakness and aggression from injured peers, leading to more competitive behavior.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2018

Administering hormones affects DNA

Researchers found that even extremely low doses of an endocrine disruptor caused epigenetic changes in a pregnant sow's DNA and its offspring. The study suggests that humans may also be affected by such chemicals, leading to a re-assessment of acceptable daily intake values.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2018