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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 35


Page 35 of 47

Friendly pelicans breed better

Research found that captive pelicans bred successfully on repeated occasions when they were free to choose their own friendships. The flock formed a social structure, with sub-adults spending more time with each other than adults.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalZoo Biology·DateMay 10, 2021

Sharks in protected area attract illegal fishers

A new study reveals that thousands of sharks have been caught illegally in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean, threatening critically endangered species like oceanic whitetip and scalloped hammerhead. The MPA was found to be vulnerable to enforcement due to its large size and remote location.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 10, 2021

Interglacial summer warmth and the Greenland Ice Sheet

A study analyzing hydrogen isotopic composition of marine sediments found interglacial summer warmth influences Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) retreat more strongly than maximum temperatures. This research suggests persistently high summer temperatures will be more harmful to the ice sheet's long-term stability under climate change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Higher levels of ultra-processed food in childhood associated with increased risk of child overweight/obesity and changes in metabolome

New research shows that higher levels of ultra-processed food in childhood are associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity, as well as alterations in the metabolome. The study found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is negatively associated with certain biomarkers, such as docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.

Animal production responsible for vast majority of air quality-related health impacts from U.S. food

A new study estimates that US food production is responsible for 16,000 annual deaths due to poor air quality, primarily from animal production. Improving animal and crop management practices, as well as eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Ocean-bottom sediments tell a story about ancient Greenland summers

A new University at Buffalo study uses ocean-bottom sediments to learn about ancient summer temperatures in southern Greenland, revealing that prolonged warmth may be disastrous for the Greenland Ice Sheet. The findings hold a message of caution as the world warms again today, with potential long-lasting effects on Earth's temperature.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Could wider use of gene reserves protect rare species?

Research at the University of York shows that Gene Conservation Units can help protect biodiversity, particularly for cold-adapted butterflies and plant species. A survey of conservationists and land managers found that GCUs could appeal to land managers as a way to conserve species and genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·DateMay 10, 2021

Meaningful movies help people cope with life's difficulties

A study found that watching meaningful films like 'Hotel Rwanda' can make people feel more prepared to deal with life's challenges. These films are associated with positive reactions such as feeling a sense of purpose and being motivated to pursue significant goals. The key elements of these films, including poignancy and emotional ran...

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateMay 10, 2021

Aurora records and historical magnetic fluctuations

A study of historical equatorial auroral records from Seoul, South Korea, suggests that the West Pacific Anomaly may be an analog to the current South Atlantic Anomaly. The record shows strong fluctuations centered around 1590 and 1720, indicating changes in regional magnetic field strength not captured by current geomagnetic models.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Geoscientists find that shallow wastewater injection drives deep earthquakes in Texas

Researchers found that shallow wastewater injection is linked to widespread deep earthquake activity in the Delaware Basin. The study used data analytics and computer modeling to mimic fluid extraction from shale reservoirs and identified a causal link between deep stress increases and shallow fluid injection. This finding has signific...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Growing sweet corn at higher densities doesn't increase root lodging risk

New research from the University of Illinois and USDA-ARS found that certain hybrid sweet corn varieties can tolerate higher plant densities without increasing the risk of root lodging. The study used a combination of experimental and on-farm data to conclude that density tolerance is a key factor in reducing lodging incidence.

Graphene key for novel hardware security

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel graphene-based physically unclonable function (PUF) that is more energy-efficient and secure against AI attacks than silicon-based devices. The device's unique properties make it resistant to machine learning attacks, adding tamper resistance as another security feature.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 10, 2021

Managing children's weight, blood pressure and cholesterol protects brain function mid-life

A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that managing children's weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol may help protect brain function in later life. Researchers analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study and found a link between early childhood cardiovascular risk fact...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 10, 2021