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Oh mother, where art thou?

A recent study challenges the hypothesis that mass strandings of pilot whales are driven by family relationships. The research found that stranded groups are not necessarily members of one extended family and that many calves have no identifiable mother among the other beached whales. This suggests that social bonds among kin may actua...

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateMar 14, 2013

Don't assume the sand is safe

Scientists developed reference guide for potentially harmful germs in sand to inform beach management decisions, with a focus on minimizing risk for children. The study found low levels of harmful microbes at one beach site, indicating the sand was safe for beachgoers.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 11, 2012

Sea level rise to alter economics of California beaches

A study by Duke University researchers predicts that sea level rise will change the economic landscape of Southern California beaches, with smaller beaches facing significant losses while larger ones may benefit. The study suggests that nourishment projects could help offset these losses, but at great cost.

SourceDuke University·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 28, 2012

Keeping our beaches safe

A new wireless sensor device can detect high concentrations of E. coli bacteria in under 1 hour and lower concentrations in less than 8 hours. This rapid detection system has the potential to serve as an early warning tool for beach safety, providing a more timely response to fecal contamination.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateDec 8, 2011

How learning more about mass nesting can help conserve sea turtles

Researchers have gained insights into the synchronised mass nesting of female olive ridley sea turtles, shedding light on their reproductive behaviour and population dynamics. The study's findings suggest that this small population in French Guiana has increased its nest number three-fold over the past decade, but also makes them more ...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 18, 2011

Large variations in Arctic sea ice

Researchers uncover large variations in Arctic sea ice extent over the past 10,000 years, revealing that current amounts are likely less than half of those seen during the Holocene Climate Optimum. The team's findings suggest changes in wind patterns contribute to climate-driven ice loss.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2011

One-third of central Catalan coast is very vulnerable to storm impact

Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed a method to evaluate coastal storm vulnerability, finding that one-third of the region's coasts are at risk of severe flooding and erosion. The study used wave data from 1958-2008 to assess the vulnerability of a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateJul 13, 2011

What's in a simple line drawing? Quite a lot, our brains say

A new study using brain scans reveals that simple line drawings can activate similar patterns of brain activity as color photographs when viewing natural scenes. This suggests that the brain uses abstract representations to categorize scenes and doesn't need features like texture and color to tell a beach from a street scene.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2011

Leatherback sea turtle nests increasing in Florida

A new Duke University-led study reveals a 10.2% increase in leatherback sea turtle nests at 68 beaches in Florida since 1979, suggesting conservation and recovery efforts are paying off. The growth may be attributed to improved monitoring, reduced predators, and changing ocean conditions favoring turtles.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 4, 2011

What's mine is virtually yours

A study by University of Bristol academics found that virtual MIMO technology can increase data capacity by up to 50% but also makes things worse for some users in certain scenarios. The researchers propose metrics to determine when to use this technology, highlighting the need for careful design and intelligence in the network.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateMar 23, 2011

'Stupid strategies' could be best for the genes

A study published in Ecology Letters found that seemingly mindless survival strategies can be more effective than adapting to changes. This 'multiplier effect' states that individuals will thrive in their optimal environment if they follow what their parents did, leading to the success of their genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

Speeding up E. coli detection

A simple method for tracking E. coli uses laser imaging to detect and monitor microbe contamination in water, potentially reducing waterborne disease outbreaks. The technique improves on existing methods by providing vital information on microbial source tracking.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateJan 14, 2011

Whale-inspired ocean turbine blades

Researchers at US Naval Academy have designed novel blade modifications inspired by humpback whale flippers to improve turbine performance in converting low-velocity tidal flow energy into electricity. The modified blades proved effective in extracting energy at low speeds without degrading performance at high flow speeds.

Secrets of sharks' success

Flexible scales on sharks' bodies allow for change in direction while swimming at full speed by controlling water flow separation. This discovery has implications for designing more efficient aircraft, wind turbines, and other systems prone to flow separation issues.

Jellyfish-inspired pumps

Caltech researchers have designed jellyfish-inspired pumps that utilize flexible designs and adaptable tissue composition to create efficient fluid transport systems. The pumps are optimized for medical applications, such as delivering medication or removing excess fluids from the body, without causing damage to surrounding tissues.