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Steering towards grazing fields

A 16-year Nebraska study found minimal negative impacts of grazing cattle on corn stubble on soil properties, except for slight compaction. Grazing may even have a slightly positive effect on soil microbial community structure due to the addition of nutrient-rich manure.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 29, 2017

Remote sensing is becoming increasingly important in biodiversity research

The article discusses the importance of remote sensing in biodiversity research, highlighting its potential to measure biological diversity, identify species, and track ecosystem processes. However, field studies are still necessary to provide crucial information on ecological potency, stress behavior, and adaptability.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEcological Indicators·DateDec 12, 2016

Fear of retaliation

A study conducted by Bettina Rockenbach and colleagues found that people tend not to enforce social norms, especially for larger violations. Despite negative emotions towards more severe offenses, individuals admitted reluctance to confront or punish them due to fear of retaliation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2016

Japanese tadpoles relax in hot springs

A recent study by Hiroshima University scientists found Japanese tadpoles can live and grow in natural hot springs with water temperatures up to 46.1°C. This unique adaptation may allow the species to thrive on small volcanic islands with limited fresh water sources.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalAmphibia-Reptilia·DateJul 26, 2016

This week from AGU: More concentrated storms, methane emissions, and 4 research spotlights

Researchers study concentrated storms causing extreme flooding in urban areas and high methane emissions from the Bakken oil field. Scientists also investigate black carbon in oceans and its impact on marine life. Additionally, a new study reveals that half of streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin originates as groundwater.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 11, 2016

Exposure to American Indian mascots activates stereotypes

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that exposure to American Indian sports mascots can strengthen negative stereotypes, especially among liberal individuals. The researchers also discovered that a person's political identity can predict how susceptible they are to adopting stereotypes associated with bran...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 13, 2016

Hey boss: Workers prefer consistent jerk to loose cannon

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that employees who work for consistently unfair supervisors are less stressed and more satisfied than those with erratic bosses. The researchers suggest that prioritizing self-discipline and careful thinking can help deliver leaders who treat employees fairly most of t...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMar 1, 2016

New study finds our desire for 'like-minded others' is hard-wired

A new study by Wellesley College and University of Kansas researchers suggests people are drawn to those who share similar values, attitudes, and personality traits from the start. The findings could lead to a shift in understanding relationship formation and suggest that social influence may be limited when partners are already similar.

SourceWellesley College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Eating healthy or feeling empty?

Researchers found that consumers associate 'healthy' foods with less fillingness, leading to increased portion sizes and consumption. Highlighting the nourishing aspects of healthy food can mitigate this bias, providing a potential solution for managing weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 28, 2015

Battling obesity epidemic: New look at 'fat tax'

A new study analyzing six years of sales data from over 1,700 supermarkets across the U.S. found that small price differences can significantly shift consumer demand towards healthier low-calorie alternatives, particularly among low-income consumers. The study's results suggest that a 'fat tax' of just 5-10% can be effective in reducin...

Buffet guilt

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab researchers found that diners paying less for all-you-can-eat buffets feel more physically uncomfortable and guilty compared to those paying more. The study suggests that consumers can mitigate these effects by opting for higher-priced buffets and healthier options.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateDec 17, 2015

What's done in the lab applies in the field, econ study shows

A new report by Daniel Herbst and Alexandre Mas found that lab-based estimates of the spillover effect, how one worker's productivity impacts another's, are similar to field results. The study analyzed more than 30 lab and field studies across various occupations and continents, suggesting that insights from lab experiments can be gene...

Learning from ants how to build transportation networks

Ants build complex transportation networks by minimizing costs while maintaining efficiency and robustness. Researchers at Uppsala University applied this principle to human-made systems, finding that connecting new suburbs to the closest city area can ensure relatively cheap but efficient power networks. By adjusting the frequency of ...

SourceUppsala University·JournalInterface·DateOct 20, 2015

Age doesn't dull damselfly sex

Researchers observed azure damselflies mating for two years, finding that older females and males were equally successful at finding mates and reproducing. The study provides insights into aging and population dynamics in insects, with potential implications for understanding mosquito and tsetse fly populations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 15, 2015