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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 9


Page 9 of 42

Warming climate is changing where birds breed

A recent study found that birds in eastern North America are shifting their breeding ranges in response to climate change. Some species, such as Carolina wrens and red-bellied woodpeckers, may be resilient to future changes, while others, like Neotropical migratory birds, are experiencing range contractions. The research highlights the...

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2020

Up to 60% of students in some schools vaped in past month

A University of Michigan study found that up to 60% of students in certain schools vape daily, highlighting the importance of understanding individual and school-level factors driving e-cigarette use. The study's findings suggest that tailoring interventions to specific school environments can be effective in reducing vaping prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 26, 2020

Flow-through electrodes make hydrogen 50 times faster

Researchers at Duke University have developed flow-through electrodes that can store hydrogen more efficiently than conventional electrolyzers. The new design increases the surface area of the electrode to allow for faster and more productive water electrolysis, with potential implications for affordable renewable energy storage.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 26, 2020

Development of electrode material improving the efficiency of salinity gradient energy

Researchers have developed a new electrode material that can improve the efficiency and economic feasibility of salinity gradient power generation using reverse electrodialysis. The material, molybdenum disulfide thin films, was synthesized directly on the electrode current collector surface to enhance electrochemical activity.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateMay 25, 2020

7,000 years of demographic history in France

French prehistory saw two significant migration waves: Neolithic and Bronze Age, which mixed with native hunter-gatherers. The study found that 7,000 years of admixture between these groups still influences the genomes of French people.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Solving the space junk problem

A new study suggests that implementing orbital-use fees for satellites in orbit could reduce collision risk and increase the industry's long-run value. The fees, which would be calculated based on projected costs of additional collision risk and space debris production, could quadruple the value of the satellite industry by 2040.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Observations of robotic swarm behavior can help workers safely navigate disaster sites

Researchers demonstrate that locally observed robot distribution can correlate with environmental features, such as exits in office-like environments. This approach enables trapped office workers to navigate their way out of a collapsed building, even in scenarios where robots lack communication or sensors.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 25, 2020