Wednesday, January 23, 2019

science news 23.1.2019

Today's round-up of science stories. Links are normally to press releases on EurekAlert (at the bottom end I may also add a couple of newspaper stories). I include quotes from the summary (using quotation marks) in cases where the title alone doesn't reveal what the story is about.


astrobiology

For zombie microbes, deep-sea buffet is just out of reach
"A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is beginning to pick apart how bizarre zombie-like microbes survive by examining their source of 'food' -- nearby molecules of organic carbon. The study helps further our understanding of the limitations of life on Earth and could help inform how life might exist on other planets."


climate change

Dry inland waters are underrated players in climate change


birds

Without habitat management, small land parcels do not protect birds

Possible Oahu populations offer new hope for Hawaiian seabirds

Unique camera enables researchers to see the world the way birds do

How much rainforest do birds need?



The blue-headed bee-eater is native to African rainforests.
Credit: Professor Matthias Waltert


ecology & evolution

Otago researcher contributes piece to the puzzle of baleen whales' evolution

Urbanization changes shape of mosquitoes' wings

Plants blink: Proceeding with caution in sunlight

Green fluorescence from reef-building corals attracts symbiotic algae


humans

Thirty percent fewer prostate cancer deaths with PSA screening


nanoworld

The first nucleophilic gold complex

Graphene and related materials safety: human health and the environment

Properties of 'wonder material' graphene change in humid conditions


technology

Increasing skepticism against robots

Surveillance in our schools
"ClassDojo is one of the most popular education apps in the world. Its company estimates it is used by millions of teachers and children across 180 countries. Beneath its friendly exterior lie disturbing implications."


recycling

Improved plastics recycling thanks to spectral imaging

From toilet to brickyard: Recycling biosolids to make sustainable bricks


musical instruments

Do endangered woods make better guitars?
Spoiler alert: no.

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