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Science News for July 9, 2023


Man-made materials in nests can bring both risks and benefit for birds

Research reveals that 176 bird species globally incorporate man-made materials into their nests, providing potential benefits such as structural support and insulation. However, these materials can also harm birds through entanglement, ingestion, or attracting predators.

SourceBangor University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023

Bees get week early wakeup call from warming climate

A new study found that warmer springs are causing British bees to emerge from hibernation 6.5 days earlier due to climate change, potentially disrupting the timing of plant flowering. This could lead to reduced pollination and increased costs for farmers using managed honeybees.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2023

Beak shape can predict nest material use in the world’s birds, study finds

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to predict nest material use based on beak shape and size, correctly identifying broad materials in 60% of species. The study explores ecological and evolutionary context behind these relationships, with potential applications in understanding animal manipulation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

First bioavailable compound that specifically inhibits free radical production in mitochondria prevents and treats metabolic syndrome in mice

Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging developed a bioavailable compound that selectively inhibits free radical production in mitochondria, preventing and treating metabolic syndrome in mice. The compound, S1QEL1.719, decreases fat accumulation, improves glucose tolerance, and normalizes fasting insulin levels.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2023

Blooming great diabetes discovery

A team of researchers has discovered a plant molecule that acts in the brain and improves blood sugar regulation. The dahlia extract was shown to considerably improve blood sugar regulation in preclinical trials and clinical studies, offering new hope for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 9, 2023

Developer dollars not enough to save species

Research found that financial payments by developers to compensate for environmental consequences are insufficient to achieve intended outcomes. Only 0.7 of 13.4 hectares of impacts on koala habitat have been offset through financial payments since 2018, raising concerns about the future of this endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 9, 2023
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Burns take a toll on academic outcomes

A new study finds that young people hospitalized due to burns are less likely to finish high school than their peers, with girls at higher risk of not achieving national minimum standards in reading. The research highlights the need for monitoring academic progression and learning support after a burn injury.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2023

Zeus also plays billiards

A research group led by Kyoto University collected data on gamma-ray glows from thunderstorms, which may help explain the origins of lightning. The team proposes that high-energy particles from space could trigger lightning discharges.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023