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Dartmouth College


Babies' hands move to the rhythm of language

Researchers found that babies exposed to signed language produce distinct hand movements with low-frequency rhythmic activity, indicating an innate sensitivity to linguistic patterns. This discovery suggests that parents' sing-song way of speaking and playful rhyming games can aid the language learning process.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2001

Rock and ice linked by crushing mechanism

Two Dartmouth researchers, Erland Schulson and Carl Renshaw, propose a theory that brittle materials like rocks and ice crack in the same manner. They identify a specific type of cracking mechanism, 'comb' cracks, which leads to collapse in both ice and rock.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2001

Migratory songbird breeding linked to winter habitat

Researchers have found that migratory birds' winter habitats influence their breeding success by affecting arrival time and physical condition. American redstarts in wetter environments maintained better body mass and robust condition, while those in drier environments lost mass and showed signs of deteriorating condition.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 1998

To Prevent Ice Buildup, Charge It

A Dartmouth physicist has discovered that applying a small electric voltage across an ice-metal interface can break the bond between ice and metal surfaces, potentially preventing or reducing icing on airplane wings. The effect of the voltage can be reversed to increase ice adhesion, which could improve traction on icy roads.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 30, 1998

Homing In On Migrating Salmon

Researchers use strontium isotopes to identify salmon stream origins, allowing for unprecedented accuracy in tracking adult salmon. The technique has promise for restoring salmon populations and studying their migrations.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 1997