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1,297 articles from ScienceDaily

Collapse of desert bird populations likely due to heat stress from climate change

Last year, biologists discovered that bird populations in the Mojave Desert had crashed over the past 100 years. The biologists now have evidence that heat stress is a key cause. Simulations with a computerized 'virtual bird' suggest that with higher temperatures, birds need more water to keep cool. Larger insectivores or carnivores should be most affected, and small seed-eaters less so if...

Gel-like fluid designed to prevent wildfires

Scientists and engineers worked with state and local agencies to develop and test a long-lasting, environmentally benign fire-retarding material. If used on high-risk areas, the simple, affordable treatment could dramatically cut the number of fires that occur each year.

Do Celiac families really need 2 toasters?

Parents using multiple kitchen appliances and utensils to prevent their child with celiac disease from being exposed to gluten may be able to eliminate some cumbersome steps. A new preliminary study found no significant gluten transfer when tools like the same toaster or knives are used for both gluten-free and gluten-containing foods.

A closer look at monogamy and polygamy in brood parasitic birds

Researchers have discovered that cowbirds conform to Bateman's Principle, despite investing no energy into parental care. Surprisingly, 75% of the cowbirds in the system were monogamous. Future research will expand upon these findings and broaden the understanding of how cowbirds might select the nests they parasitize, what role the males could play to assist the females, and why monogamy could be...

Santa Barbara coastline: Preparing for the future

Santa Barbara County residents love their coastline, from the small-town beaches of Carpinteria to Santa Barbara's waterfront to camping hotspots like Jalama Beach and dramatic Guadalupe Dunes. But drastic changes are in store in coming decades as temperatures and sea levels rise, bringing massive impacts to local ecology and human systems.

Simple cardiac risk score can predict problems with blood flow in the brain

The study shows that for those participants who do not have a history of heart disease or stroke that a simple cardiac risk score -- a summary measure of factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, abdominal fat, and dietary factors -- is associated with MRI-detected pre-clinical cerebrovascular disease like carotid artery plaque and silent strokes.