Articles by Stephanie Baum
Phys.org / On tropical coasts, hermit crabs are now making their homes in plastic waste
Terrestrial hermit crabs are soft-bodied crustaceans that live near water in the world's tropical areas. Without any natural protection of their own, these crabs normally find shelter in discarded mollusk shells. But a number ...
Tech Xplore / Pet technology, meant to provide help and security for pets and owners, has vulnerabilities of its own
Pet owners are increasingly turning to technology for various pet care purposes such as feeding, health monitoring and activity and movement tracking. Much of this technology operates via devices and apps connected to the ...
Phys.org / Audible yawns in a non-human species may convey important social information
Most of us are familiar with yawn contagion, which is the act of spontaneous yawning when someone nearby yawns, often but not always audibly. For humans, yawning can emanate from fatigue or boredom, and either seeing or hearing ...
Phys.org / In the interests of animal welfare and public health, researchers make a case for improved farm animal conditions
Research shows that three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases are passed from animals to humans; an illness of this type is known as zoonosis (plural: zoonoses). Farm animals, especially pigs and poultry, pose a high ...
Phys.org / New high-speed video system uses sensors, infrared illumination to track insects in large wild areas
Our ability to learn more about insect behavior—which affects ecology, health, and economy on a global scale—depends largely on suitable recording technology. But until now, these tools have been considerably limited.
Phys.org / 'What's on today's menu?': Why it's important to study the trophic behavior of local predators
Trophic ecology is the study of the food chain. On Tenerife in the Canary Islands, feral cats feast chiefly on rabbits, mice, rats, and native birds and reptiles. But new research shows that since 1986, the island's wild ...
Phys.org / First discovery of carbon-based cave art in France's Dordogne region could pave way for precise radiocarbon dating
The Dordogne region of southern France is home to over 200 caves decorated with colorful Paleolithic art, but little is known about how old it is. Due to its coloration with iron- or manganese-oxide-based material, radiocarbon ...
Phys.org / Doggie dental health: Aged garlic extract shows promise as gum disease treatment
Among dogs, periodontal (gum) disease affects various breeds at rates between 44% and 100%, with higher susceptibility in smaller breeds and older dogs. Veterinarians normally advise dog owners to brush their dogs' teeth ...
Medical Xpress / Research team proposes novel AI-enabled gastrointestinal diagnostic system inspired by rat whiskers
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, whose symptoms can be varied and painful, may lead to serious health problems, and present a formidable health challenge throughout the world. For these diseases, early diagnosis and intervention ...
Medical Xpress / New large-scale study results add to evidence that vestibular loss increases dementia risk
Existing research shows a link between hearing loss and the risk of dementia, and a new study adds to growing evidence that vestibular loss can increase dementia risk as well. Results from this work, by a team from the Korea ...
Phys.org / New study with video shows how female frogs defend themselves against unwanted mating
Among many species, breeding preferences and tactics can differ among males and females. When aggressive behavior by males toward unreceptive females goes awry, it may result in failure to reproduce, and in some cases, fatality ...
Medical Xpress / Despite good oral hygiene, localized oral inflammation can also affect distant healthy areas in mouth
Much evidence exists to show that in humans, oral inflammatory conditions such as periodontal disease can affect overall health. In its later stages, periodontal disease can lead to systemic issues such as cancer, cardiovascular ...
Phys.org / New study on movement patterns of leaf frogs in Brazil could open a path for conservation strategies
For researchers and environmentalists, knowing how frogs and other amphibians move through their environment is an important part of the ability to appropriately target conservation efforts. Movement is a crucial part of ...
Medical Xpress / Research team uses immersive VR to shed light on tactile gating and 'phantom touch illusion'
If you've ever tried to tickle yourself, you may not have succeeded. This is due to your nervous system suppressing the expected sensation of your own actions, a mechanism known as tactile gating. Until now, this mechanism ...
Phys.org / Who are the climate activists vandalizing art and museums, and why?
Environmental advocacy, with roots in Rachel Carson's 1962 book "Silent Spring" and the first Earth Day observances in 1970, has manifested in various forms over the years, including boycotts, blockades, and protests. In ...