Science Quickly

Scientific American
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Apr 27, 2018 • 4min

Bill Gates Announces a Universal Flu Vaccine Effort

Bill Gates, a leading philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, discusses a groundbreaking $12 million initiative aimed at developing a universal flu vaccine. He emphasizes the urgent need for better pandemic preparedness and the importance of innovative approaches to tackle all flu strains. Gates highlights a holistic strategy that combines vaccine development and antiviral therapies, marking a significant step in global health efforts.
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Apr 25, 2018 • 4min

Drumming Beats Speech for Distant Communication

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Intagliata, a seasoned science and technology reporter, explores the intriguing world of the Bora people in the northwestern Amazon. He highlights their unique use of mongoire drums to send language-like messages over long distances, resembling musical Morse code. The conversation delves into the intricate drumming patterns crucial for communication and raises awareness about the challenges threatening the survival of the Bora language. A captivating mix of culture, communication, and conservation!
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Apr 23, 2018 • 4min

Bees Have a Goldilocks Lawn Mow Schedule

Learn how mowing lawns less frequently can promote biodiversity and increase bee populations, as seen in a study conducted in Massachusetts. Lawns mowed every two weeks attracted more bees than those mowed every three weeks.
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Apr 21, 2018 • 4min

If Singing's Tough, Try Whistling

A study suggests whistling a melody is easier than singing it due to lip muscle evolution. Participants with different music backgrounds consistently sing out of tune compared to whistling.
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Apr 19, 2018 • 3min

Traffic Deaths Increase after 4:20 P.M. on 4/20

A study found a 12% increase in traffic deaths on 4/20 after 4:20 PM compared to other dates, suggesting a correlation between the informal marijuana holiday and fatalities. However, the study does not establish a causal relationship between impaired driving and marijuana consumption.
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Apr 18, 2018 • 3min

NYC Mice Are Packed with Pathogens

Mice in NYC apartment buildings carry disease-causing bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, and viruses associated with insects, dogs, chickens, and pigs. The study emphasizes the need for further research on potential bacteria transmission from mice to humans.
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Apr 17, 2018 • 4min

Mine Social Media Posts to Predict Flu

Researchers use Twitter conversations to predict flu outbreaks two weeks in advance, outperforming other models and highlighting the potential to reduce flu-related deaths.
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Apr 16, 2018 • 4min

Planting Milkweed for Monarchs? Make Sure It's Native

Learn why planting native milkweed is crucial for preserving monarch butterflies as non-native species could harm them. Researchers advocate for the conservation of native milkweed to ensure the survival of monarch populations.
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Apr 13, 2018 • 3min

The Internet Needs a Tune-Up

Jennifer Rexford discusses the origins of the internet, issues like denial of service attacks and performance problems, and proposes the use of machine learning and programmable networks to optimize its functionality and reliability.
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Apr 12, 2018 • 4min

Glacier Suddenly Goes Galloping

Explore the unusual surging behavior of the Cordopan glacier in Pakistan, which speeds up dramatically every 20 years. Researchers use high-resolution satellite data to uncover the mysteries behind its rapid movement. The last surge in 2017 provided valuable insights into glacial dynamics and raised concerns about potential risks to local communities. Dive into the fascinating science of glaciers and their unpredictable nature!

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