Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study of African animals illuminates links between environment, diet and gut microbiome

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

US corn yields get boost from a global warming 'hole'

A Dartmouth study found that a global cooling phenomenon, known as the US 'warming hole', has increased corn yields in the Corn Belt region by 5-10% per year. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allowed corn to mature slower, reducing heat stress and increasing grain accumulation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 24, 2019

The impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds

Researchers analyzed continental-scale data to investigate the impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds, finding that breeding in modified habitats increases ANP levels by twice as much as forested habitats. The study suggests vocal traits like song complexity could be useful for understanding ANP effects across spatial scales.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateOct 11, 2019

Finding (microbial) pillars of the bioenergy community

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that many core microbes on bioenergy plant leaves originate from the soil and remain consistent across seasons. The study suggests that these microbes play a crucial role in the plant's growth and health, and their phyllosphere microbiome can be targeted for cultivation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2019

Player athleticism increases head impact exposure in youth football

A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 6, 2019

Knowing berry pests' varied diets may help control them

A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Entomology·DateAug 6, 2019

What we think we know -- but might not -- pushes us to learn more

A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that uncertainty about what one knows leads to the most curiosity and learning. Tailoring classroom learning to students' misconceptions can be an effective way to stimulate curiosity and motivation to learn. The study's findings expand on Maria Montessori's child-centered appro...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 23, 2019

'13 Reasons Why' and young adults' risk of suicide

Researchers found that viewers who watched the entire second season of '13 Reasons Why' were less likely to report recent self-harm and thoughts of ending their lives compared to those who didn't watch at all. Young adults, particularly students, showed increased risk for future suicide when watching only part of the series.

Improving researchers' abilities to forecast epidemics

A study published in Scientific Reports analyzed forecasts from 14 predictive models submitted to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influenza season forecasting challenge. The results show that teams with more experience and combined model approaches performed better, highlighting opportunities for future improvement.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2019

A long view of California's climate

A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.

SourceNOAA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019