Genetics goes to the dogs, finds there’s not much to breed behavior
One of the strongest genetic associations is to "gets stuck behind objects." Enlarge / In the case of the samoyed, selection for physical characteristics produced a dog that sure looks happy. (credit: Zhao Hui) Many dog breeds.....»»
Scientists develop a new model of electric double layer
A new model accounts for a wide range of ion-electrode interactions and predicts a device's ability to store electric charge. The model's theoretical predictions align with the experimental results. Data on the behavior of the electric double layer (.....»»
Southern California study finds high levels of airborne plasticizers
A new study documents how Southern Californians are chronically being exposed to toxic airborne chemicals called plasticizers, including one that's been banned from children's items and beauty products......»»
AWS forced to pay out millions in major patent dispute
Jury finds AWS ‘willingly’ infringed on two patents......»»
"Who"s a good boy?" Humans use dog-specific voices for better canine comprehension
The voice people use to address their dogs isn't just because of their big puppy eyes. Humans slow their own speech when talking to their dogs, and this slower tempo matches their pets' receptive abilities, allowing the dogs to better understand thei.....»»
Most climate scientists foresee temperature rise exceeding Paris Agreement targets, study finds
A new survey of climate experts reveals that a majority believe the Earth to be headed for a rise in global temperatures far higher than the 2015 Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to well-below 2°C......»»
State mandates requiring genocide education lack standards to guide teachers, study finds
"Hotel Rwanda" was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film, but not necessarily the best way to teach high school students about a topic as fraught as genocide. Yet, without guidance on how to approach genocide throughout history, sho.....»»
Madagascar"s mining rush has caused no more deforestation than farming, study finds
If tens of thousands of miners turned up in the middle of a protected rainforest to mine for sapphires, you might expect that to cause lots of deforestation and harm local wildlife......»»
Seven years on, study reveals #MeToo"s unexpected impact on consumer behavior
Seven years after actor Alyssa Milano's tweet launched the #MeToo movement into the global consciousness, attitudes towards sexual harassment and assault have shifted in many countries. A new study shows that the movement's impact doesn't stop there......»»
Breeder who tried to create enormous trophy sheep jailed in US
A man who tried to breed enormous hybrid sheep using genetic material from endangered animals so he could sell them to trophy hunting ranches has been sentenced to six months in prison, the US Department of Justice said Monday......»»
Solidarity drives online virality in a nation under attack, study of Ukrainian social media reveals
The first major study of social media behavior during wartime has found that posts celebrating national and cultural unity in a country under attack receive significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about the aggressors......»»
Talking politics hurts fundraising, finds analysis of 19,898 Kickstarter campaigns
Divisive political opinions are everywhere these days, but entrepreneurs might be wise to bite their tongues......»»
Online misinformation most likely to be believed by ideological extremists, study shows
Political observers have been troubled by the rise of online misinformation—a concern that has grown as we approach Election Day. However, while the spread of fake news may pose threats, a new study finds that its influence is not universal. Rather.....»»
Indigenous US farm workers face greater job-related pain compared to undocumented peers, study suggests
Farming is a notoriously hard profession with long hours spent operating dangerous equipment and performing other arduous tasks. New Rice University research finds that Indigenous farm employees—many of whom have legal status in the U.S. after movi.....»»
Fathers with low incomes are emotionally resilient, finds study
New fathers who faced economic hardships remained deeply connected to their children despite negative stereotypes, according to a new study......»»
Study finds about 40% of public supports rationing measures to fight climate change
Rationing of goods such as meat and fuel can both effectively and fairly reduce consumption with high climate impact. Almost 40% of the public say they could accept such measures. These are the findings of new research from the Climate Change Leaders.....»»
New tool can assess elderly dogs" frailty
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a tool that can aid owners and veterinarians in assessing an elderly dog's frailty. The tool—when coupled with simple assessments of body and muscle condition by the veterinarian—can.....»»
What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ—but not as much as you"d think
We all admire wise people, don't we? Whether it's a thoughtful teacher, a compassionate doctor, or an elder in the community, we recognize wisdom when we see it. But have you ever thought about how people in different cultures perceive wisdom? Does s.....»»
A river is pushing up Mount Everest"s peak
Mount Everest is about 15 to 50 meters taller than it would otherwise be because of uplift caused by a nearby eroding river gorge, and continues to grow because of it, finds a new study by UCL researchers......»»
Ants might be pushing montane birds higher up, study finds
Mountains are home to 85% of the world's amphibian, bird, and mammalian species, despite covering only 25% of the Earth's surface. This makes them a highly diverse ecosystem and a key focus for conservation efforts......»»
Social networks help people resolve welfare problems—but only sometimes, new research finds
Lead researcher Dr. Sarah Nason, from Bangor University's School of History, Law and Social Sciences explained, "Debt, benefits, special educational needs, health care issues, these are everyday problems that many of us face, and it's only natural to.....»»