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How your brain knows it's summer

A study published in PNAS reveals that the neurotransmitter GABA plays a crucial role in encoding seasonal changes through changes in chloride levels. By blocking GABA activity, researchers were able to synchronize the brain's internal clock, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with disrupted seasonal rhythms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Stink bugs have strong taste for ripe fruit

Researchers found stink bugs track ripening fruit to maximize food access, suggesting limiting fruit availability in spring and fall could be an effective strategy for controlling stink bug populations. The study provides critical intelligence in the battle against these pests and their annual destruction.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Pest Science·DateJun 29, 2015

Inning limits don't prevent MLB pitching injuries

A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that restricting the number of innings young MLB pitchers throw does not prevent injuries. Gradually increasing the total number of innings pitched per season also has no effect on young pitchers' risk of future injury.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateApr 6, 2015

Better method for forecasting hurricane season

A University of Arizona team developed a new model that improves seasonal hurricane forecast accuracy for the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by 23 percent. The model incorporates wind force on the ocean and sea surface temperature over the Atlantic, reducing El Niño's impact during warm AMO phases.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalWeather and Forecasting·DateMar 31, 2015

Climate change costing soybean farmers

A recent study published in Nature Plants found that climate change is reducing soybean yields across the United States, with an average decline of 2.4% for every one-degree rise in temperature. The study suggests that soybean farmers can minimize yield losses by adopting practices such as earlier planting and no-till farming.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 30, 2015