SciGlow is a newsletter of science stories from the major research labs. Headlines link to in-depth articles and editorials. SciGlow keeps scientists and others up-to-date on current research.
The fish made famous in Finding Nemo can see ultraviolet (UV) light and may use it as a ‘secret channel’ to find both friends and food, according to researchers. Anemonefish are easily recognised by their striking orange and white patterning, but University of Queensland scientists set out to find out how ‘clownfish’ see their world … Read more
The frequent presence of leeches with a hidden lifestyle in the mantle cavity of freshwater mussels has been recorded since the second half of the 19th century. Yet this was, until now, regarded as an accidental phenomenon. Recent research not only reveals seven mussel-associated leech species new to science, but also shows that their association … Read more
Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online – particularly in developing countries – lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study. As political engagement increasingly takes place online, basic freedoms that many take for granted including free … Read more
With November comes Movember, putting the spotlight on men’s health. UBC nursing professor John Oliffe has a few tips that can help ensure the success of men’s health programs. He recently led a study that reviewed community-based programs in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., the U.S. and other regions to see what worked and what didn’t. … Read more
Astonishingly, not one but two interstellar asteroids have been detected entering our solar system since 2017. The first was given the Hawaiian name ‘Oumuamua, meaning ‘messenger from afar,’ after its discovery by Canadian astronomer Robert Weryk. The second, 2I/Borisov, was named for its discoverer Gennadiy Borisov. Paul Wiegert from Western University’s Institute for Earth & … Read more
As drought concerns farmers across the country, new research has shown Australian farmers are facing other unexpected challenges as regional Australia continues to evolve and more people from cities escape to a life in the country. Concerns around neighbour relations, biosecurity and maximising land use are some of the issues regional land owners in New … Read more
Although breast cancer treatment has made great strides, around 5,000 Canadian women are still expected to succumb to the disease in 2019 alone. And it’s not the breast tumour that will kill them; it’s the spread of the cancer cells to other sites—a process called metastasis. Karla Williams, a professor in the faculty of pharmaceutical … Read more
Surface melting in West Antarctica is triggered by atmospheric rivers that transport heat and moisture from the mid-latitudes and sub-tropics to the polar regions according to a new study from researchers1 from the University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Sorbonne University (France), CESAM/University of Aveiro (Portugal) and British Antarctic Survey (United Kingdom). Their study will be published … Read more
The majority of exercise neuroscience studies (64 per cent) have not included female participants due to the frequently held belief that hormonal fluctuations – linked to menstrual cycles – may lead to inconsistent results and preclude adequate recommendations for exercise prescription. However, a new Western University study shows that exercise-related benefits to brain health and … Read more
Scientists at the University of British Columbia are getting a rare glimpse into the underwater behaviour of northern and southern resident killer whales off the B.C. coast, with the help of aerial drones. The unique footage, filmed in collaboration with the Hakai Institute, will help researchers determine if endangered southern residents are getting enough of … Read more