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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 3


Page 3 of 43

UAlberta leads urgent call for sample rocks from Mars

A new publication outlines objectives for Mars Sample Return campaign, providing a blueprint for answering key questions about Mars. The University of Alberta is home to a vast collection of meteorites and experts like Chris Herd emphasize the importance of returning samples from Mars with context.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateMar 28, 2019

1 billion people will be newly exposed to diseases like dengue fever as world temperatures rise

A new study warns that global warming could lead to the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes to areas previously too cold for them, putting 1 billion people at risk. The research suggests that temperatures are expected to rise, leading to year-round transmissions in tropical regions and seasonal risks elsewhere.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 28, 2019

Modelled climate change impact on mosquito-borne virus transmission

A study predicts climate change will lead to increased and new exposures to humans of diseases carried by mosquito vectors, with poleward shifts in Aedes-borne virus distributions. The model suggests a middle-of-the-road temperature increase could produce the greatest expansion in viral transmission by Ae. albopictus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2019

The Serengeti squeeze: Human activities at edges of protected areas undermine these ecosystems

A new study in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem highlights how human activity near protected areas affects wildlife and ecosystem function. The results show that human pressure has caused wildlife to migrate to the core of the park, resulting in changes to fire regimes, grazing patterns, and increased vulnerability to droughts.

Decision makers need contextual interactive guidance

A team of researchers developed an interactive program using trade-off diagrams to support decision-making in complex scenarios. The tool allows for compromises and balancing of competing interests, increasing decision quality with contextual information. However, interactivity also improves decision-making, but to a lesser extent.

Scientists reveal largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton

The discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found sheds new light on the lives of these massive predators. The specimen, weighing over 40% more than the next largest known taxon, suggests that different types of dinosaurs may have grown to significantly greater sizes than previously thought.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateMar 28, 2019

BU finds universal background checks lower homicide rates

A new Boston University study reveals that states with universal background check laws for all gun sales had 15% lower homicide rates compared to those without such laws. The study also found that laws limiting the sale of guns to people convicted of violent misdemeanors were associated with a more dramatic reduction in homicide rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 28, 2019