science news 11.2.2020

Today's selection of science news. 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 in italics in cases where the title alone doesn't reveal what the story is about. My own thoughts appear without italics if I have any.


earth

Simulations identify missing link to determine carbon in deep Earth reservoirs

Acid-loving microbe can improve understanding of past climate


ecology

Scientists warn humanity about worldwide insect decline

Dolphins gather in female family groups
Social clusters including mothers' groups play an important role in the life of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins, a new study shows. Like giraffes, lions, hyenas and grey kangaroos, bottlenose dolphins appear to form social bonds with kin and other females in similar reproductive condition, while maintaining moderate and loose social bonds with some same-sex individuals.

Southern Australian bottlenose dolphin and newborn calf. Photo Dr Fernando Diaz-Aguirre
Photo: Dr Fernando Diaz-Aguirre


light and life

Novel melatonin receptor molecules make possible therapies to adjust biological clock


environment

Himalayan glacier shows evidence of start of Industrial Revolution



---------------


From the news media: