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Spearfishing makes fishes more timid

Researchers found that fish adjust their escape behavior and keep a safe distance outside the shooting range when a speargun is present. The level of timidity varies depending on the size of the fish, type of diver, and location within protected areas.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateJul 3, 2018

Dangerous reptiles

A study by Sebastian Brackhane reveals that saltwater crocodile attacks in East Timor have increased since the species' recovery under conservation. The research suggests that juvenile crocodiles migrate from Australia to find new habitats, highlighting a growing human-crocodile conflict in the region.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJun 27, 2018

Focusing on next 10 years could lead to better use of recommendations for cancer screening

A recent study found that asking individuals to set up a long-term screening schedule can increase adherence to evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening. In the study, 62.6% of participants made decisions reflecting USPSTF's recommendations when asked to choose a screening schedule for the next 10 years.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 20, 2018

Analyzing insect performance

A meta-analysis of 44 studies on neonicotinoid insecticides' effects on arthropod performance found similar negative impacts on abundance, behavior, condition, reproductive success, and survival. The research suggests that these insecticides affect not only pollinators but also detritivores and predators.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 25, 2018

Chance is a factor in the survival of species

A recent study by Lund University found that chance plays a significant role in local species survival, sometimes overriding conservation initiatives. The researchers also discovered negative frequency-dependence, which counteracts the role of chance and helps rare species recover.

SourceLund University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMar 26, 2018

Improving the quality of high altitude medicine

The new guidelines aim to standardize data capture in high altitude research, enabling researchers to replicate studies and compare findings. The guidelines provide a structured approach for collecting data on factors such as local conditions, study participants' characteristics, and medical history.

SourceEurac Research·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateFeb 26, 2018

Freedom, not coercion

A recent study found that giving individuals a sense of freedom leads to increased feelings of responsibility. The research, involving Russian and American participants, showed that autonomy is a basic human need and that people are more likely to take responsibility when they have the freedom to choose their actions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateFeb 7, 2018

Want people to work together? Familiarity, ability to pick partners could be key

Researchers found that participants were more likely to collaborate when they could alter the structure of a network and had a pattern of relationships with multiple connections. This study aims to better explain the drivers of collaboration and has implications for various settings, including the workplace and the battlefield.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2018

Conservation study uses tiny treadmills to test sea turtle hatchling stamina

A Florida Atlantic University study uses tiny treadmills to simulate disorientation and measures the energy spent by sea turtle hatchlings crawling on beaches. The researchers found that hatchlings expend massive amounts of energy but can still swim well, supporting the importance of lighting ordinances during turtle hatching season.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 19, 2017

Study urges global-change researchers to embrace variability

A new review article argues that incorporating natural variability into experiments can provide more accurate insights into the effects of climate change on corals and other reef organisms. Studies found that varying factors such as temperature and pH can affect the physiology and response to future changes, warranting further research.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalCurrent Climate Change Reports·DateNov 15, 2017

Tracking mosquitoes with your cellphone

Researchers at Stanford University developed a platform called Abuzz that uses cellphone recordings to track mosquito populations and distributions. The platform aims to create the world's largest network of mosquito surveillance, enabling targeted control efforts and reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.

Portable 3-D scanner assesses patients with elephantiasis

A portable 3D scanner has been developed to measure swollen limbs in patients with elephantiasis, a parasitic disease causing major swelling and deformity of the legs. The device provides highly accurate results in just a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, making it easier to assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 16, 2017

The biology of color

A new study synthesizes advances in animal coloration research, including digital imaging and large-scale comparative analyses, revealing the complex biological trait's function and patterns of evolution. Key findings include understanding how animals perceive and produce color, as well as its integration with other sensory information.

The biology of color

New research reveals coloration's significance in individual survival and reproduction, influencing camouflage, mate choice, and social signaling. The study also explores the evolution of color production and perception across species.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Scientists find clever way to help you de-clutter your home

Researchers found that taking a photo of sentimental items before donating them increases the likelihood of getting rid of clutter. The study suggests this strategy helps people keep memories alive while parting with possessions, benefiting nonprofits and recipients. Participants were more willing to donate items that still held sentim...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 26, 2017

New technology measures small-scale currents that transport ocean plastics, oil spills

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School developed a new technique to measure near-surface ocean currents using a specialized video camera. This innovation can help scientists predict the fate of spilled oil and other marine pollutants, improving disaster response and understanding pollutant transport.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateMay 4, 2017

Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions

Researchers have engineered soybeans to withstand increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in higher yields in future climate conditions. The modified crops outperformed conventional soybeans in field studies conducted at SoyFACE, a facility emulating future atmospheric conditions.