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Johns Hopkins University


Bats can predict the future, JHU researchers discover

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that bats use a combination of echolocation calls and head movements to predict the future position of their prey. This discovery enhances our understanding of auditory-guided behaviors in animals and humans, including sight-impaired individuals who rely on sound to navigate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Study: Dying stars breathe life into Earth

A new study published in Nature Astronomy sheds light on the origin of carbon in the Milky Way, revealing that dying stars play a crucial role in its synthesis. The research team found that low-mass stars shed more massive remnants than previously thought, breaking a linear trend in star formation and planetary evolution.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 6, 2020

Researchers catch a wave to determine how forces control granular material properties

A team of researchers used X-ray measurements to study the behavior of waves in granular materials. The findings provide a better understanding of how particle arrangements and forces affect wave propagation. This knowledge is crucial for detecting earthquakes, locating oil and gas reservoirs, and designing acoustic insulation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Juicy genomics

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered over 230,000 DNA differences across 100 tomato varieties, allowing for rapid identification and evaluation of genetic mutations. This breakthrough enables breeders to create new crops with desirable traits, such as increased size and flavor.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020

Lighting the way to safer heart procedures

A new study from Johns Hopkins University proves the feasibility of using photoacoustic imaging for medical procedures, offering a potential replacement for current radiation-based methods. The technique involves using light and sound to produce images without ionizing radiation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 17, 2020

Sulfur 'spices' alien atmospheres

Researchers found that a small presence of sulfur in the atmosphere can lead to three times more haze particles, primarily organic sulfur products. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about sulfur's role in exoplanet atmospheres and highlights the importance of caution when interpreting spectroscopic data.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 6, 2020

More pavement, more problems

A new Johns Hopkins University study finds that for every percentage point increase in roads and impervious surfaces, annual floods increase by 3.3% on average. The research team used a large dataset of streamgages and impervious surface data to isolate the effect of urbanization on flooding.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2020

Slithering snakes on a 2D plane

A team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University has developed a snake robot that can nimbly climb large steps using movement inspiration from snakes. The robot's suspension system allows it to maintain stability and climb up to 38% of its body length with a high success rate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 18, 2020

What's in your water?

New study reveals previously unknown, highly toxic compounds formed when chlorine disinfects drinking water. The discovery raises questions about the need for chlorination and potential alternatives like ozone treatment or filtration.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 28, 2020

Babies understand counting years earlier than believed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that babies can recognize counting as a way to describe quantity, even before they can verbally express the numbers. The study found that when toys were counted aloud, babies showed an understanding of the approximate number and expected more than one toy to be pulled from the box.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateOct 24, 2019

Study: Treats might mask animal intelligence

A new Johns Hopkins University study found that rewards can improve learning incrementally but mask the true knowledge animals have attained. The researchers trained mice, rats, and ferrets on various tasks with and without rewards, revealing a distinction between knowledge and performance.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2019

Researchers get humans to think like computers

Researchers found that people strongly agreed with computer-generated answers on image identification tasks, validating the idea that humans and machines see images differently. This suggests that advances in artificial intelligence may need to be improved to narrow the gap between human and machine visual abilities.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2019