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Climate change drives collapse in marine food webs

A new study demonstrates how climate change can drive the collapse of marine food webs by altering trophic flows and promoting cyanobacterial proliferation. This can lead to reduced food availability for top predators, negatively impacting marine species diversity and fisheries productivity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 9, 2018

Making solar energy more efficient

Two doctoral students at the University of Kansas have demonstrated methods to improve the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research. By analyzing data from a year-long study on rooftop materials, they found that panels installed over green roofs performed best, generating an average of 1.4% more energy compa...

Dancing backwards in high heels

A new study shows that female professors experience more demands and requests for special favors from students, particularly those with high academic entitlement. These requests can be emotionally taxing and affect career advancement opportunities.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 3, 2018

Cholera hotspots found at Uganda's borders and lakes

Researchers have identified 22 high-risk districts in Uganda where cholera outbreaks are more likely due to proximity to international borders and bodies of water. These districts are recommended for strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries to control the spread of cholera.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 28, 2017

Pride does not come before a fall

A recent study published in The BMJ found that pride levels are inversely associated with the risk of falling in older adults. High levels of pride were linked to a 19% lower odds of reported falls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that pride may be a protective factor against falling.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 11, 2017

Seeing through walls of unknown materials

Researchers have devised a method to scan walls without prior knowledge of their material composition, exploiting symmetry for effective resolution. This approach enables inexpensive devices to locate conduits, pipes, and wires in construction, with potential applications in security and industry.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateDec 6, 2017

How the UK smoking ban increased wellbeing

A study by Lancaster University found that the UK public smoking ban had a statistically significant positive impact on the well-being of married individuals, especially married women with dependent children. The researchers also discovered increases in happiness among men who quit smoking and those who never smoked.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScottish Journal of Political Economy·DateDec 4, 2017

How to keep students in science

The SEA-PHAGES program has been shown to significantly impact students' attitudes towards science, leading to increased persistence and confidence among underrepresented groups. By providing authentic research experiences, the program has been found to be more effective in developing key traits that influence students' intent to persis...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Lightning, with a chance of antimatter

A team of Japanese researchers from Kyoto University used gamma-ray detectors to study the effects of lightning on atmospheric elements. They found that lightning emits positrons, a form of antimatter equivalent to electrons, through interactions with nitrogen and other elements in the atmosphere.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateNov 22, 2017

Underwater sound waves help scientists locate ocean impacts

Scientists have developed a new method to locate the precise time and location that objects fall into our oceans using underwater microphones. The method relies on measuring acoustic gravity waves generated when an object hits the sea surface. Researchers validated their method by locating recent earthquakes in the Indian Ocean.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2017

Studying insect behavior? Make yourself an ethoscope!

A new low-cost, easy-to-use, and self-made customizable piece of equipment called the ethoscope has been invented to study flies' behavior. Ethoscopes can automatically record fly movements and even manipulate them, saving researchers time and enabling more efficient studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 19, 2017