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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 418


Page 418 of 510

Texas A&M study finds no link between gender and physics course performance

A Texas A&M University study analyzed over 10,000 students in four introductory physics courses, concluding that male students do not consistently outperform female students. The research found statistically significant differences in exam performance within one course, but no persistent differences across exams or final grades.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateMar 4, 2021

Social distancing in nature

Studies on non-human species reveal that forager ants, vampire bats, mandrills, and others exhibit social distancing behaviors when infected. These observations provide valuable lessons on how to reduce disease transmission and offer a unique perspective on human behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2021

New study shows Transcendental Meditation reduces teacher burnout and improves resilience

A new study published in Frontiers in Education found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improves emotional exhaustion, resilience, perceived stress, fatigue, and depression in teachers. This meditation-based teacher development program demonstrates the benefits of meditation for strengthening mental and physical health.

SourceCenter for Wellness and Achievement in Education·JournalFrontiers in Education·DateMar 4, 2021

Will climate change outpace species adaptation?

A study published in Nature Communications found that a species' thermal tolerance is linked to its current climate and that cold tolerance has evolved faster than heat tolerance. This suggests that many species will not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive the unprecedented rate of contemporary climate change.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2021

COVID-19 in 2021

The article summarizes current evidence on COVID-19 vaccines, immunity, and the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to become an endemic or seasonal virus. Experts weigh in on these critical issues, providing insights into the long-term impact of the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 4, 2021

Climate warming drives butterfly decline in American west, study using citizen science data shows

A recent study using citizen science data found that climate warming is driving population declines in butterflies throughout the American West over the past 40 years. The research, published in Science, highlights the need for new approaches to butterfly conservation and suggests that climate change is a key factor in pollinator decline.

High-resolution ocean model provides insight into sea turtles' lost years

A new study uses a high-resolution ocean model to track the migration of baby sea turtles in their 'lost years'. The model shows that hatchlings are swept towards regions with favorable food availability, increasing their chances of survival. This research provides insights into the critical stages of sea turtle conservation efforts.

Could catnip become the new DEET?

Researchers have discovered that catnip's active ingredient, Nepetalactone, activates the mosquito irritant receptor TRPA1, making it an effective repellent. This finding has significant implications for developing new, plant-based insect repellents.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 4, 2021

High strength through hierarchy

Researchers develop hierarchical structure for lightweight materials by self-organization, creating a new type of exceptionally strong yet light material. The material's open network structure results in an impressive density reduction and mechanical properties superior to state-of-the-art materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2021

'Falling insect' season length impacts river ecosystems

Research reveals that prolonged periods of terrestrial invertebrates in rivers lead to monopolization by larger fish, altering food webs and ecosystem functions. In contrast, pulsed periods enable smaller fish to access benthic invertebrates, resulting in reduced leaf breakdown rates.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 4, 2021