October 2014

The forces at work when a turkey hops over an obstacle (Oregon State University)

Running Robots May Be Inspired by Birds

October 30, 2014April 3, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, engineering, new tech, robotics

In preparation for building better running robots, researchers have made useful discoveries about some of nature’s most energy efficient bipeds – running turkeys. Running birds have an impressive ability to run while minimizing energy cost, avoiding falls or injuries, and maintaining speed and direction. Researchers at Oregon State University have been trying to discover exactly how the birds do it. “Birds appear to be the best of bipedal terrestrial runners, with a speed and agility that may trace back 230 million years to their dinosaur ancestors,” says Jonathan Hurst, an…

Solar material is sprayed on (David Baillot, UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering)

Engineering Environment New Technologies

Solar Power Material 90 Percent Efficient

October 29, 2014April 8, 2021 Science Connectedalternative energy, renewable energy, solar power

Solar power may be on the verge of becoming a great deal cheaper, more efficient, and longer lasting, thanks to a solar energy research team.

Biology Zoology

How Humans, Birds, and Grasshoppers Breathe

October 28, 2014April 4, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, biology

This informative illustration of how three different animals breathe is the work of Eleanor Lutz, a designer with a degree in molecular biology. The animated infographic shows how humans breath in and out in sequence through the nose and mouth. Birds have multi-chambered lungs that can process incoming air and outgoing air simultaneously– a very efficient system for running and flying. Grasshoppers, on the other hand, essentially breath with their whole bodies. As Lutz explains, “I decided to illustrate how different animals breathe, and I picked three species that I…

Biology Environment Zoology

Saving the Honey Bees with Microscopic Bugs

October 27, 2014September 5, 2015 Science Connectedbees

For several decades, honey bees have been ravaged by a deadly disease that kills their babies and leads to the collapse of entire hives. The disease is called American Foulbrood and its effects are so devastating and infectious that beekeepers often have to incinerate infected hives. Saving the honey bees from Foulbrood is complicated because the disease can rapidly evolve to resist antibiotics and other chemical treatments. For the past few decades, beekeepers have been losing hives at an alarming rate with no cure in sight. Losing entire hives not only disrupts…

Biology Zoology

Florida Lizards are Evolving, Fast

October 24, 2014August 26, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, biology, ecology, evolution, lizards

In the span of just 15 years, scientists have documented native lizards evolving rapidly in response to pressure from an invasive species.

Biology Zoology

Bluefin Killifish Flamboyant Fin Colors

October 21, 2014September 5, 2015 Science Connectedanimals, biology, fish

Fish use their fins for swimming, but fins can also advertise a fish’s social status and health. In a new study, researchers report that for the male bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei), each colorful fin communicates different messages to other fish. They’re called “bluefin” killifish, but these fish often have red, yellow and/or black markings on their fins. University of Illinois animal biology professor Rebecca Fuller noticed these colorful fins while snorkeling in Florida and decided to find out what causes the variation. “In some of the males, the anal fin was…

Biology New Technologies Zoology

Agile Robots Inspired by Gecko Feet

October 15, 2014March 31, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, biology, lizards, new tech

An in depth study of how a gecko’s feet work could lead to designs for more agile robots that can maneuver on complex surfaces. To climb steep surfaces, geckos use an adhesive system in their toes. This evolutionary innovation is how they climb vertically both up and down. On the underside of their toes are structures calledsetae, millions of very fine hair-like structures that increase the surface area and improve contact between the foot and the surface on which it rests. This adhesive system works best when the gecko plants its…

American crocodiles basking at a swamp in La Manzanilla, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico (Tomas Castelazo)

Citizen Science Zoology

Crocodile Data Gets Crowd-sourced

October 14, 2014September 5, 2015 Science Connectedanimals, citizen science, crocodiles, crowd sourcing

Crocodiles are even more sophisticated hunters than previously understood, according to research from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans) have been observed using teamwork and even tools to catch their prey. Recently, other studies have found that crocodiles and their relatives are highly intelligent animals capable of sophisticated behavior such as advanced parental care, complex communication and use of sticks as tools for hunting. These versatile animals can also climb trees. Now, Vladimir Dinets at UT’s Department of Psychology has found that crocodiles work in teams to…

Quantum computing, Pixomar via freedigitalphotos.net

New Technologies Physics

Quantum Computers Coming Soon

October 13, 2014April 4, 2021 Science Connectedcomputers, quantum physics

Two research teams at the University of New South Wales have taken us a step closer to building super powerful quantum computers and putting them in your hands. The teams have created two types of quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits are the building blocks for quantum computers. These qubits are not only super fast, but also super accurate, with each processing data with an accuracy above 99%. Menno Veldhorst of UNSW says, “It is really amazing that we can make such an accurate qubit using pretty much the same devices as…

Biology Engineering Health New Technologies

Robotic Prosthetics for Amputees

October 9, 2014April 3, 2021 Science Connectedengineering, health, new tech, robotic prosthetics, robotics

These robotic prosthetics are replacement arms and hands controlled by neuromuscular implants. They are now a clinical reality.