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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News


How do songbirds sing? In 3-D!

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 04:07 PM PST

Like humans, songbirds learn their vocalizations by imitation. Since their songs are used for finding a mate and retaining territories, birdsong is very important for reproductive success. High-field magnetic resonance imaging and micro-computed tomography have been used to construct stunning high resolution, 3-D, images, as well as a data set "morphome" of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) vocal organ, the syrinx.

Simulated mission to Mars reveals critical data about sleep needs for astronauts

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 12:14 PM PST

In the first study of its kind, researchers have analyzed data on the impact of prolonged operational confinement on sleep, performance, and mood in astronauts from a simulated 520-day space mission to Mars. The findings revealed alterations of life-sustaining sleep patterns and neurobehavioral consequences for crew members that must be addressed for successful human interplanetary spaceflight.

The reason we lose at games: Some games simply too complex for the human mind to understand

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 12:12 PM PST

If you have ever wondered why you never seem to win at skill-based games such as poker or chess, there might be a very good reason. Scientists have discovered that some games are simply impossible to fully learn, or too complex for the human mind to understand.

Mechanism of hearing is similar to car battery, researcher learns

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 11:57 AM PST

Biologists have shown that one of the mechanisms involved in hearing is similar to the battery in your car. And if that isn't interesting enough, the scientists advanced their knowledge of human hearing by studying a similar auditory system in fruit flies -- and by making use of the fruit fly "love song."

Captive hyenas outfox wild relatives

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 08:05 AM PST

When it comes to solving puzzles, animals in captivity are, well, different animals than their wild brethren.

First fossil bird with teeth specialized for tough diet

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 05:26 AM PST

Beak shape variation in Darwin's finches is a classic example of evolutionary adaptation, with beaks that vary widely in proportions and shape, reflecting a diversity of ecologies. While living birds have a beak to manipulate their food, their fossil bird ancestors had teeth. Now a new fossil discovery shows some fossil birds evolved teeth adapted for specialized diets.

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