Science Quickly

Scientific American
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Mar 1, 2017 • 4min

African Penguins Pulled into an Ecological Trap

Learn how climate change and overfishing are harming African penguins, pushing them into food-poor habitats. Researchers are discussing solutions like translocating chicks and implementing sustainable fisheries regulations to save their declining populations.
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Feb 28, 2017 • 3min

Neandertals Live On in Our Genomes

Discover how Neandertal gene variants affect gene expression in modern humans, impacting protein production, activating other genes, and even reducing the risk of schizophrenia and increasing height.
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Feb 27, 2017 • 4min

Medical Marijuana Faces Fed's Catch-22

The discussion dives into the complexities of studying medical marijuana due to its federal Schedule I status. Researchers are caught in a dilemma: they need more evidence of its medicinal benefits to change its classification, but the current status complicates large-scale studies. Potential solutions are explored to overcome these research barriers, and the implications for drug development are highlighted. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of science, regulation, and cannabis health benefits.
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Feb 23, 2017 • 3min

Blood Cells Remember Your Mountain Vacation

Red blood cells remember high-altitude exposure, enhancing acclimation. Memory fades in four months. Body adjusts to low oxygen levels by depleting E-ENT1, allowing for faster acclimatization during return visits.
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Feb 22, 2017 • 3min

Fermented Foods Find Fervent Advocate

Explore the benefits of fermenting foods for probiotics and disease prevention, as discussed by a professor of nutritional sciences at the annual AAAS meeting.
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Feb 21, 2017 • 3min

Vision Needed to Curb Nearsightedness Epidemic

Myopia is on the rise among teenagers in urban Asia, with rates reaching over 90%. This podcast dives into the environmental factors contributing to this epidemic. It highlights the role of reduced outdoor activity and increased screen time in worsening eyesight. Experts suggest that simply spending more time outdoors can significantly lower the risk of developing nearsightedness. Discover how foresight and lifestyle changes could reshape our vision health!
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Feb 20, 2017 • 4min

Guppy Groups Provide Friendly Protection against Foes

Guppies exposed to predators form smaller, tightly knit groups to coordinate predator avoidance strategies, highlighting the importance of social relationships in predator-filled environments.
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Feb 18, 2017 • 3min

Spaceflight Squishes Spacefarers' Brains

Researchers analyze MRIs of astronauts' brains and discover compressions in gray matter and expansions in the leg control area. Implications for brain changes in extended bed rest and future space travel.
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Feb 17, 2017 • 3min

2 Words Trigger CDC to Stay Quiet

Health policy researcher at the CDC, David Hemenway, reveals CDC's fear of funding firearms research due to concerns of backlash. Staff avoid discussing guns to prevent budget cuts from Congress, despite no official prohibition.
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Feb 16, 2017 • 4min

The True "Bottom" of the Food Chain Is Plenty Polluted

Critters living more than six miles below the ocean surface are contaminated with harmful compounds like PCBs and flame retardants. Researchers are concerned about the impact on deep-sea creatures in the Mariana Trench, challenging the belief that the deep sea is pollution-free.

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