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Dolphins gather in female family groups

A new study shows that female dolphins in southern Australia form social clusters with mothers' groups, while maintaining loose bonds with same-sex individuals. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine sanctuaries and regulate aquaculture and fishing practices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 10, 2020

New research confirms lingering mood benefit of psychedelics

A recent Yale study found that people who recently used psychedelics report sustained improvements in mood and feelings of social connectedness. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 festival attendees, confirms previous laboratory research indicating psychedelic substances enhance mental well-being.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

Love, lies and money: Study introduces, defines and measures financial infidelity

Researchers introduce the concept of financial infidelity, defined as engaging in a financial behavior expected to elicit disapproval and intentionally failing to disclose it. The study's findings reveal that consumers prone to financial infidelity exhibit stronger preferences for secretive purchase options and concealing their actions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 3, 2019

Cybershoppers make better buying decisions on PCs than phones -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that consumers make more accurate purchasing decisions using desktop computers compared to smartphones. The researchers discovered that mobile-friendly websites reduce information output and require more searching, whereas PC-based sites provide a clearer shopping experience.

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

How to make online recommendations work better

A new study in the Journal of Marketing finds that user-based framing outperforms item-based framing in online recommendations, providing customers with a sense of taste matching beyond product attributes. This approach increases click-through rates and can be adapted at little cost to maximize return on recommender systems.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 2, 2019

CSU team uncovers potential for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Colorado livestock

A team at Colorado State University discovered that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, a primary vector for West Nile virus, can transmit Rift Valley fever virus to livestock and humans in Colorado. The researchers found that these mosquitoes feed on both humans and livestock, making them a significant threat for potential outbreak.

SourceColorado State University·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateAug 12, 2019

Batmobile with cruise control

Scientists at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research investigate energy requirements and travel speeds of migrating Nathusius' bats. Bats are found to travel at the speed where their range reaches a maximum, enabling them to cover long distances with minimal energy expenditure.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Studying species interactions using remote camera traps

Researchers developed a framework to detect species interactions using camera trap data, highlighting the need for standardized data collection and collaboration. The study found that many records are needed to produce trustworthy results, but standardization can achieve this by combining datasets from multiple studies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateFeb 22, 2019

Anemones are friends to fish

A study by University of Delaware researchers reveals that larger-bodied fish, like juveniles, associate with anemones for protection, while smaller species partner with them throughout their lives. This mutualistic relationship is driven by predation and helps fish avoid predators in ocean reefs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 29, 2019

Illinois study pioneers humane feline research facility

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a unique study environment for cats to advance science and test an injectable contraceptive vaccine. The hybrid facility, dual-licensed as a USDA research facility and animal shelter, provided enriching conditions with furniture, toys, and outdoor enclosure.

Microscale superlubricity could pave way for future improved electromechanical devices

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Tsinghua University have discovered microscale superlubricity, achieving ultra-low friction and wear between dissimilar materials under high loads. This breakthrough has enormous implications for computer hard discs and ball bearings, leading to potential energy savings and wear prevention.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 1, 2018