Astronomers from Wellesley College have discovered a newly forming galaxy that resembles a young Milky Way, with 10 distinct star clusters forming at different times. The galaxy, dubbed the 'Firefly Sparkle', has a mass similar to the Milky Way's when it was in its early stages of development.
A spatial map of the sea reveals that different fishing communities and gear types are adapting in unique ways to climate change, with some communities showing high flexibility and others facing challenges. The study's findings highlight the need for policy decisions to support adaptive capacity, rather than limiting it.
A study by Wellesley College researchers found that anesthesia affects microtubules in neurons, leading to a longer recovery time under anesthesia. This discovery supports the idea that consciousness is related to quantum mechanics and could have significant implications for our understanding of brain function and behavior.
Researchers found that differences in the gut microbiome are associated with overall cognitive function and brain structure in healthy children. The study also predicts future cognitive performance based on early-life microbial profiles.
A recent study by Wellesley College psychologist Sally A. Theran suggests that cultivating authentic relationships can help combat the negative effects of the 'superhero ideal' on mental health. Authenticity in relationships is key to mediating the relationship between the pressure to be a perfect achiever and depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Wellesley College found that people frequently misinterpret bar graphs, with one in five graph readers categorically misunderstanding averages. The 'bar-tip limit error' occurs when viewers interpret the tip of the bar as the outer limit of the data, despite the average being the balanced center point.
Researchers from Wellesley College discovered that honey bees (Apis cerana) produce unique sounds, including 'antipredator pipes', to warn fellow bees of giant hornet threats. These signals result in increased bee activity and defense actions against the attackers.
Research from Wellesley College shows that asexual invasive weevils adapt to new food sources by passing down gene regulation changes to future generations. The findings reveal that these creatures can respond to different toxins in plants using shared genes, allowing them to thrive in various environments.
Fishers in the Northeast US have adopted three strategies to cope with climate-related changes in fish distribution and abundance. They shift their target species, change where they fish, or sell their catch at different ports. Regulations often constrain these adaptations due to conservation measures and market constraints.
Research from Wellesley College professor Heather Mattila shows that honey bees use animal dung to prevent giant hornet attacks on colonies. The bees apply spots of dung around nest entrances, repelling the hornets and limiting their ability to mount deadly group attacks.
The study suggests that low-energy electron and UV irradiation of methanol ices yield the same reaction products, with potential implications for the interstellar synthesis of prebiotic molecules. Future research will investigate this phenomenon further, potentially providing new insights into the origins of life.
A new study by Wellesley College researcher Linda Carli found that people consistently perceive scientists as possessing qualities linked to male stereotypes, hindering women's success in STEM fields. The research suggests that exposure to prominent female scientists and attending an all-women's college can help shift stereotypes.
A new study by Wellesley College and University of Kansas researchers suggests people are drawn to those who share similar values, attitudes, and personality traits from the start. The findings could lead to a shift in understanding relationship formation and suggest that social influence may be limited when partners are already similar.
A new study by Heather Mattila reveals that inadequate access to pollen during larval development has lasting effects on adult honey bees' performance and productivity. The study found that pollen-stressed bees were lighter, died younger, and had impaired foraging and waggle dancing abilities.
A new study out of Wellesley College finds that people who value diversity are more likely to have friends from different racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The research suggests that positive beliefs about diversity can increase the likelihood of seeking out diverse friends.
A new study by Wellesley College economists finds that MTV's '16 and Pregnant' and 'Teen Mom' led to a 5.7 percent reduction in teen births, accounting for one-third of the overall decline. The shows may have conveyed information to teens who were at risk of childbearing, preventing them from giving birth at a young age.
A recent US study found that teens in areas of high income inequality are more likely to have a baby. Low-income teens are more likely to give birth rather than investing in their own economic progress. The study suggests that teen childbearing is a symptom, not a cause of poverty.
A new study found that genetically diverse honey bee populations produce healthier colonies with a greater variety of active bacterial species, including beneficial probiotics and helpful microbes. This diversity is linked to improved nutrition and reduced loads of pathogenic bacteria.