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Helmets save lives of skiers and snowboarders

A new study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that wearing helmets significantly reduces head injuries and saves lives among skiers and snowboarders. The research suggests that helmet use does not increase the risk of injury, contradicting long-held myths.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateNov 12, 2012

Testosterone regulates solo song of tropical birds

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Ornithology discovered that testosterone regulates solo song in African white-browed sparrow weavers. In females, testosterone treatment induced male-typical solo song development. The study highlights a complex relationship between hormone concentration and song behavior in tropical birds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateOct 31, 2012

Desperate fishwives

A team of scientists from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that during the mating season, female gobies become increasingly aggressive and eager to mate, while males become more coy. As a result, females assume the dominant role in courtship, with males often surrounded by harems of willing partners.

Pond hockey heats up

Canada's outdoor skating season has decreased significantly due to global warming, with the Prairies and Southwest regions experiencing the largest decreases. The research predicts a complete end to outdoor skating in British Columbia and Southern Alberta within a few decades.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 5, 2012

Ice hockey feels the heat in Canada

Researchers found that only a few Canadian weather stations showed an earlier start date for the outdoor skating season, while most stations experienced a decrease in its length over the past half century. Climate change is projected to end outdoor skating in areas like British Columbia and Southern Alberta within decades.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 4, 2012

Bonobos' unusual success story

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that high-ranking male bonobos were more aggressive and had higher mating success, but also invested in friendly relationships with females. These relationships correlated with lower male testosterone levels, challenging the common notion of masculine behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 23, 2012

Time for a change?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new calendar system that eliminates year-to-year changes, making timekeeping and financial calculations more predictable. The Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar features a 91-day quarterly pattern, which simplifies interest calculations and reduces economic uncertainty.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalVerge Studies in Global Asias·DateDec 27, 2011

Artichokes grow big in Texas

A new study by Texas AgriLife Research found that artichoke yield and quality are optimized through differential irrigation regimes and nitrogen fertilizer rates. The researchers recommend approximately 700 mm of water inputs and 120 kg/ha or less of N for high marketable yields and optimal nutritional quality.