Science Quickly

Scientific American
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Jun 25, 2018 • 4min

Cardinal Rule: Female Birds Sing, Too

Most people think only male birds sing, but that's a myth! An astonishing 660 species of female birds also vocalize. Discover the silent symphony of these songbirds and the groundbreaking Female Bird Song Project, which invites scientists and the public to help document this often-overlooked behavior. Tune in to learn about the unheard voices of nature and the importance of including female song in the avian chorus!
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Jun 22, 2018 • 3min

Bird's Song Staying Power Implies Culture

Swamp sparrow songs show evidence of a cultural tradition lasting hundreds, even thousands of years
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Jun 21, 2018 • 3min

Alaskan Beluga Whales Ace Hearing Exam

Beluga whales in Alaska found to have excellent hearing and little hearing loss. Noise pollution in the ocean may impact their communication and navigation abilities.
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Jun 19, 2018 • 4min

Fat–Carb Combo Is a Potent One–Two Punch

Karen Hopkin, a reporter who highlights how food affects our brain’s reward circuits, delves into the irresistible allure of snacks combining fats and carbohydrates. She discusses a study that reveals how these combinations stimulate our cravings more than single-component snacks. The conversation also touches on how modern processed foods exploit these natural reward pathways, potentially leading to overeating. A fascinating look at the science behind what makes us reach for those indulgent treats!
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Jun 17, 2018 • 3min

Jupiter Crackles with Polar Lightning

Discover how Jupiter's lightning is more common and gathers near the poles, unlike Earth. Juno spacecraft data reveals intriguing differences in storm patterns between the two planets.
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Jun 15, 2018 • 3min

Coral Reefs Keep Costly Waves at Bay

Coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting shorelines from storms and floods. A study estimates that their flood protection benefits save the global economy $4 billion dollars a year. This emphasizes the need to include ecosystem services in economic models.
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Jun 14, 2018 • 4min

Hippo Dung Fouls Up Freshwater Fisheries

Hippo poop in Tanzania's freshwater fisheries harms biodiversity and reduces fish availability and protein-rich food sources for locals due to human intervention.
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Jun 13, 2018 • 4min

A Litmus Test for Bad Breath

Learn about a portable device that can detect trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide, a primary cause of bad breath, offering potential for halitosis diagnosis.
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Jun 11, 2018 • 4min

Prez (of AMA) Issues Call to Arms-Science

AMA president issues a call to arms for an evidence-based, science-driven analysis of gun violence and solutions
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Jun 8, 2018 • 3min

Powder Pulls Drinking Water from Desert Air

Scientists have developed a method to extract drinking water from dry desert air using metal organic frameworks. The current method is not efficient enough to sustain a community, but researchers are testing a cheaper and more efficient powder for future use.

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