A Communicating Science workshop just for physical sciences grad students: ComSciCon’19
This is a guest post by the organizers of ComSciCon, the Communicating Science workshop series for graduate students. ComSciCon is
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![Women play a central role in agriculture, where pesticide exposure is common. Even without direct occupational contact, proximity to croplands and related activities can increase exposure, with emerging evidence suggesting these chemicals may disrupt hormonal pathways and influence reproductive development in girls. [[File:Role of women in agriculture in Punjab (5712932498).jpg|Role_of_women_in_agriculture_in_Punjab_(5712932498)]]. Source: Public domain via Wikimedia commons](https://i0.wp.com/envirobites.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Role_of_women_in_agriculture_in_Punjab_5712932498.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1 "Environmental Pesticide Exposure and Reproductive Development: Recent Evidence on Menstruation and Breast Development in Girls")
We need to talk about the elephant in the carbon budget
In order to create a carbon budget, we need to identify everything that is taking carbon in and out of the atmosphere. While we have a pretty good idea of the important processes, could we be missing another “big” piece of the puzzle? In this study, scientists try to figure out if elephants are having an impact on the carbon cycle where they live.
Read MoreParents, Listen to Your Kids: how intergenerational learning could save our planet
Only 54% of adults world-wide believe in that climate change is caused by humans. Can kids convince their parents that climate change is real, let alone that it is worth it to take action?
Read MoreSpring flowers are arriving earlier
In recent decades, trees and plants have begun to flower earlier in the spring. Many studies have shown that this advancement in timing is due to climate change, particularly increases in air temperature. However, these studies have generally been conducted in small areas. A recent study conducted across Europe reports that the timing of spring flowering and other events in 16 tree species has been advancing. More importantly, the timing of flowering trees in warmer and cooler regions of Europe is becoming more similar, which has wide spread ecological consequences.
Read MoreUsing Genetics to Inform Conservation: Spring-Run Chinook Salmon in the Klamath-Trinity River Basin
The same species of Chinook salmon in the Klamath-Trinity basin return to the river each year in two groups: the fall-run and the spring-run. Spring-run Chinook in the Klamath River have drastically declined from historical levels, and are at much lower abundances than fall-run Chinook there. A key genetic difference between these two runs may determine how they are protected (and hopefully restored) under the Endangered Species Act. Read on to learn more!
Read MoreFishing for a Personality
Koeck B, Závorka L, Aldvén D, Näslund J, Arlinghaus R, Thörnqvist PO, Winberg S, Björnsson BT & Johnsson JI (2019)
Read MoreA Walk in the Park: Green Space in Childhood Good for Mental Health
Teaser: Parks and other green spaces have long been known to benefit general physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Recent research shows that having green space around one’s home in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders as an adult. This finding shows the importance of residential green space in promoting lifelong mental health.
Read MoreThe value of a species: the whooping crane conservation paradox
The endangered whooping crane is one of the world’s rarest species, with only around 600 individuals, including one wild self-sustaining population (French et al., 2018). Reintroduced populations have had limited success, largely due to low hatching success. One multi-year study demonstrates the role that some endemic species of black flies play in Whooping crane nest desertion. This work also illustrates how conservation approaches should evaluate trade-offs and utilize a decision-analysis framework to construct management strategies that incorporate the needs of all endemic species, rather than pining the value of one species above the other.
Read MoreJustice for Rhinos: Using forensics to match horns with poaching crime scenes
Rhinoceroses are vital members of savannah communities, but poaching has devastated their populations. A new tool has been developed that matches confiscated rhino horns to poaching events to support criminal investigations. Could this mean more justice for rhinos?
Read MoreHidden fish populations protect us from ourselves!
We raise cows, chickens, and pigs on farms, but we still commonly hunt wild populations for one type of animal protein- seafood. Many fish populations are overexploited, but scientists found that despite this, Atlantic flounder populations were in better shape than expected. Why? How can we ensure that this stability continues?
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