Science News

FARMER'S MARKET EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH.  ​Throughout the summer on Saturday mornings, we are offering families an opportunity for fun learning about science and the local area.  We had displays about endangered species and beneficial pollinators. We allowed kids to make molds of animal tracks, analyze owl pellets, and assemble an herb garden. Microscopes are used to show details on various plant and animal materials. A map of Pend Oreille County showed landmarks and where to recreate. This is one of several educational projects funded by grants provided to Responsible Growth * NE Washington and Selkirk Alliance for Science.

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THE SCIENCE OF WHAT MAKES PEOPLE CARE. Social science research shows that people fail to act not because of inadequate information, but because they don't care or know what to do. Furthermore, people may forget what you said and did, but will never forget how you made them feel. This science article describes 5 principles that will help you build and maintain a communication strategy to change people's beliefs and behavior on almost any issue. ​Details here…​

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DEATH, INJURY AND DISABILITY FROM KINETIC IMPACT PROJECTILES IN CROWD-CONTROL SETTINGS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Around the world and recently close to home, people have demonstrated against government and other institutions. Police and security forces sometimes respond by using crowd-control weapons that can cause injury, disability, and death. This research paper evaluated 26 published studies and 1,984 people who were injured by rubber or plastic bullets, bean-bag rounds, shot pellets, and other projectiles during protests, riots, criminal arrests, accidental exposures, and police training events. The evidence is weighty for understanding this issue. ​Details here…

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USING SCIENCE TO IMPROVE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY. Humans generally trust their brain to accurately remember objects or people they see. But research has shown that parts of that memory may be influenced by the brain in-filling with personal expectations or past experiences. Years after a landmark scientific report on eyewitness identification in 2014, a lead author reviews its effects. Most citizens and potential trial jurors strive to contribute to civilization. This article and the 2014 report will bring important new awareness in that effort. Details here…

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A COMPUTER MODEL EXPLAINS HOW TO MAKE PERFECTLY SMOOTH CREPES. What do perfect crepes, manufacturing of chocolate, and the coating of smartphone displays, solar cells or circuit boards have in common? Your cooking expertise will benefit from the secret discovered by two fluid-dynamics researchers. Details here…
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AT WAR OVER READING. Many teachers in the USA are not using the most science-based approaches to instruct reading. Two distinct methods are at issue: ‘phonics’ vs. ‘meaning’. Approximately 23 percent of the USA adult population lacks literacy skills, which means they can’t synthesize information from long passages of text or decipher the warnings on medication inserts. Thus, they are less likely to vote, or read the news, or secure employment. Details here…

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MORE ‘MURDER HORNETS’ ARE TURNING UP – HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. The Asian giant hornet -- unscientifically nicknamed “murder hornet” -- is the world’s largest hornet, and has recently arrived in Washington and British Columbia. The queen is 2-inches long with a wingspan slightly under 3 inches, but workers are smaller. This invader is ecologically worrisome because it vigorously preys on honey bees, native yellow jackets, and other hornets. And for humans with an insect venom allergy, a sting from this hornet could be especially injurious. Details here…

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ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS DRIVE FLOOD DAMAGES IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES. Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are storms that produce extreme precipitation on the west coast of North America. They cause significant flooding and exponential property damage primarily during November to March. During the years 1978-2017, ARs accounted for at least 96% of insured flood losses in coastal Washington and 74% in the east border region of the state. The two most damaging AR events in Washington (1986 and 1990) are estimated to have cost $2.0 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively. Its likely that increasing populations, land development, and climate change will worsen the risk. Costs for mitigation and insurance coverage will affect us all. Details here…
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SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020 REPORT SHOWS CONTINUED LOSS OF U.S. DOMINANCE. The United States continues to fall from its perch as the uncontested world leader in science & engineering (1) research expenditures, (2) journal articles, (3) workforce, and (4) education data. Meanwhile, China and the European Union are rising. We should care because benefits and innovations from science and technology bring dramatic improvements in enhanced living standards and life expectancy, better access to information and connectivity across the globe, and increased access to and affordability of consumer goods. Details here…

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HOW SCIENTISTS WRESTLE WITH GRIEF OVER CLIMATE CHANGE. Due to climate change and other impacts, there are many species and habitats that are rapidly declining. This article discusses how the loss and change of our natural world is taking an emotional toll on the scientists and what needs to be done in order to help these communities cope with the devastating situation. Currently, scientists who study and monitor the environment also experience the most climate grief; however, the general public will soon be affected by these environmental losses once climate change starts to impact more of their daily lives. Details here…

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THE U.S. POWER GRID DESPERATELY NEEDS UPGRADES TO HANDLE CLIMATE CHANGE. Currently, the US power grid is not developed to withstand the natural hazards of today’s climate. This article explains how climate change is causing many power outages and wildfires due to the antiquated power grid system. Two concepts are discussed that will help the nation adapt to a more sufficient power system, including fixing the precarious parts of the grid and creating back-up microgrids. There are many challenges, including financial limitations, that will make this transition difficult. Its essential to understand how the climate is changing our environment, and what we need to do as communities to adapt to the conditions. Details here…

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STRESS TURNS HAIR GRAY BY TRIGGERING THE BODY’S FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT RESPONSE.
Researchers have discovered how stress causes human hair to turn gray. The finding is a foundation for research into other ways that stress affects the body. Details here…

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