Oil sands are one of the largest sources of anthropogenic secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) in North America. SOAs are a component of atmospheric particulate matter, and are known to affect air quality and influence climate. A new study, which combined aircraft measurements, lab experiments, and computer modelling, found that oil sand extraction operations are directly […]
Posts by SMCCadmin (SMCCadmin)
Meerkats size each other up for success
In the wild, meerkats adjust their food intake and growth rate to match the size of their potential sexual rivals, according to a new study. The research also indicates a dominant meerkat will continue to grow if there is only a small size difference between them and their next heaviest potential rival. The researchers studied […]
Early Neanderthal constructions found in a French cave
Ancient ring-like structures found in a cave in France were probably built by Neanderthals, indicating they had more complex behaviour than previously thought. Researchers believe that the ring-shaped structures, which date to around 176,000 years ago, were constructed and carefully planned, although they are not certain of their purpose. The structures were found 336 metres […]
Obesity rising in least walkable Ontario neighborhoods 
Obesity rates are rising in neighbourhoods in Southern Ontario with low walkability ratings, while in highly walkable neighbourhoods obesity rates remain steady. There was also a fall in the rate of new diabetes cases in the more walkable neighbourhoods, according to the results of a new study. The study examined patterns of obesity, diabetes, and […]
In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming
As climate change affects the ocean environment, many species are declining – but not the ocean’s cephalopods. Populations of these creatures, which include octopus, cuttlefish, and squid, have increased over the past 60 years. Researchers believe their characteristics, such as rapid growth and short life-spans, allow them to adapt to changing ocean conditions more quickly […]
Emissions to cause even more profound warming
Burning all the Earth’s remaining fossil fuels could lead to an average temperature increase of about 8 °C across the globe—with an increase of 17 °C in the Arctic—by 2300, say researchers at the University of Victoria. Using a series of comprehensive Earth system models, researchers simulated long-term warming in response to releasing five trillion […]
New strategy could yield more precise seasonal flu vaccine
Using a new strategy, researchers believe they are able to better anticipate seasonal flu strains, allowing for the development of more effective vaccines. Using techniques commonly employed in virology, the research team was able to assemble the 2014 flu virus strain before the onset of the epidemic. By assembling libraries of the human-affecting H1N1 and […]
Call to minimize drone impact on wildlife
Increasingly, researchers are turning to drones, or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to study animals and ecosystems. But questions remain about any effect these drones might be having on wildlife. While they say there is not yet enough scientific evidence to show the impact of drones on wildlife, two researchers believe there is enough information to […]
Infants much less likely to get the flu if moms are vaccinated during pregnancy
Babies whose mothers get flu shots while pregnant have a significantly reduced risk of becoming ill with the flu during their first six months. During those first months, infants cannot be immunized against influenza, and must rely on herd immunity and any protection provided by their mother’s antibodies. Researchers found infants six months and younger […]
Three Earth-like planets found around a neighboring star
Researchers have detected three Earth-like planets orbiting a star close to our Sun. The two inner planets are orbiting just outside the inner edge of their star’s habitable zone, but the researchers believe the third planet likely lies within or beyond the habitable zone. The size and brightness of the star, an ultracool dwarf star […]
Why Labrador retrievers are more interested in food than other dogs
The first gene to ever be associated with canine obesity could explain why Labrador retrievers are more interested in food than other breeds. An alteration on the pro-opiomelanocortin, or POMC gene is found specifically in Labs and the related breed of flat-coated retrievers.The researchers found, on average, dogs with the POMC deletion were 2 kg heavier. Their owners also […]
The secret compound behind ketamine’s antidepressant properties
Ketamine is a fast-acting ‘dissociative’ anaesthetic previously found to have antidepressant effects in humans. But the negative side effects of ketamine make it a problematic candidate for depression treatment. However, new research published shows that the compound responsible for ketamine’s antidepressant effects is actually formed as the body metabolizes and breaks down the drug. The […]
Rapid adaptive evolution of colour vision in threespine stickleback
Colour vision can evolve to be better adapted to a particular environment in as little as 12,000 years. Authors of a new study out of UBC found that different populations of the threespine stickleback, a small fish that is able to live in fresh- or saltwater, have evolved to see different colours better depending on […]
Martian slopes may be carved by boiling water
The streaks sometimes observed appearing and lengthening on the Martian surface may be carved by boiling water, according to a new study. Researchers came to this conclusion after studying how water interacts with soil under Mars-like conditions in the lab here on Earth. The team placed an ice-block on top of a sandy slope and observed […]
Deep-ocean biodiversity follows a different set of rules
The diversity of life in the deep ocean is driven by the availability of food and not the temperature, as it is in shallower waters. Understanding biodiversity in the deep sea becomes increasingly important as species on the seafloor face pressure from deep-sea fishing and mining. A team of researchers from Canada and Australia analysed […]
